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MY EARLY RANDOM HITS 



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STORIES ls POETRY ^5 PROSE" 



W. WALKER HANNA, M.A., Esq, 

OF THE 

PHILADELPHIA BAR 



A Booklet containing my first ongina ventures n English 
Literature, and now offered in the hope that may 
prove acceptable to "young people" if not to their 
elders 



PHIIvADEIvPHIA 

Prbss of George Dukes 

1020 Arch Street 

1898 



ff 






22191 



Copyright by W. Walker Hanna, 1898 






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rw lot' J U 






CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Converted Anew i 

Our Corporation 13 

Which Chose the Best — (Poetry) 13 

The Sabbath— (Poetry) 19 

True Source of Contentment — (Poetry) 20 

The Federalist's Reward — (Poetry) 20 

Paths That I,ead Away -(Poetry) 21 

Mother Mine— (Poetry) 22 

Monopoly vs. TrAth — (Poetry) * * 23 

Municipal Reform from an Educational vStandpoint . . 24 

Woman's Rights. Sic semper tyrranis 29 

A Wonderful Discovery — (An Abstract from " Glasgow 

Herald ") 32 

On the Selection of a Vocation 34 

Political Freedom in America 35 

A Great Problem 37 

The Doomed Ship — (Poetry) 41 

The Old Oak's End— (Poetry) 42 

The Old Year's Departure — (Poetry j 43 

Lights Out— (Poetry) 43 

Ambition — (Poetry) 44 

The Exile— (Poetry) 44 

To a Friend— (Poetry) 45 

Philanthropy's Query — (Poetry) 45 

To Find Heaven— (Poetry) 46 

The Mystic Few — (A modern Satire) 47 

Changes, or "An Experience " 55 

The Youngsters' Cruise (A sea yarn) 71 



Dedicated to 

My relatives the nearest, — 
My closest friends and dearest. 



conv:ert:ed anbw. 

In the little village of K , in the western part 

of the State of Pennsylvania, at the house of one 
of its most prominent, wealthy and distinguished 
citizens, a little party of young people had met 
together to enjoy themselves, as only socially in- 
clined young people can. What made it all the 
more pleasant, for each and every one of them, was 
the fact that although young in years, they were all 
old acquaintances, all about the same age, eighteen 
to twenty years or thereabouts (not much over, at 
any rate), and all members of the little village 
church, which, at no great distance, reared its 
pointed spire towards the sky. With but one excep- 
tion, perhaps, all of the young people were> as 
regards their prospects in life, comparatively well- 
to-do, their parents being the happy possessors of 
rich, well situated, well paying farms. 

Of these last, none extended over as many broad 
acres or had, in general, a richer soil than that of 
Judge Latrobe, in whose large, roomy mansion, as 
we have already observed, so many bright, happy 
faces were assembled. 

Well might his only daughter, Elizabeth, feel a 
just pride in the old house and its noble surround- 
ings. Full of light-hearted joy, and like some 
fairy sprite almost, every movement graceful and 
harmonious, she had moved among her guests with 
that proper and becoming dignity which bespoke a 
superior intelligence and refinement. 



Elegant as were some of the rich adornments 
which embellished the family mansion, or which 
sparkled from her person, more elegant, more hand- 
some, more attractive was the light, lithe, supple 
form of the beautiful, fair-complexioned young lady 
who presided therein. Now, as she stood in the 
hall-way, wishing a " Good-night " to the last of 
her visitors — a young man of quiet, courtly bearing — 
some such thought must have flitted through his 
mind, for, pausing a moment, before he left the 
door-way, he took her hand, which was extended 
towards him, kissed it, and was gone. 

Hastening down the gravel walk, out through the 
shrubbery, he finally entered a sweet-scented, glori- 
ous avenue of old pines. Here he overtook two of 
his former associates, who somewhat leisurely were 
pursuing their homeward way. 

" What ! Harvey Hale ! " they both exclaimed, 
upon his coming up to them. "How pale you 
look ! What in the world ails you, man ? Hast 
seen a ghost — a spirit ? ' ' inquires David Dunstan , 
the elder of the two. 

"Yes," responded Harvey, gloomily, "a spirit 
that will send me, heaven knows whither ! " 

''Why, man, you are beside yourself to-night," 
responded the younger of the two — Dick Darleigh. 
" Your eyes must have been bewitched by this one 
evening's unaccustomed splendor ! ' ' 

Just here, it seems but right to remark, that 
Harvey Hale, though as well educated and as well 



informed and gifted as either of his two com- 
panions, was, however, in his worldly prospects, 
their inferior. 

Lured on, perhaps, by the small salary attached 
to the position, he had, only a brief two years before 
this, accepted the post of village schoolmaster. By 
virtue of this capacity, he had made the acquaint- 
ance of some of the best people of the place, 
among others, as we have seen, of Judge Latrobe 
and his charming daughter. 

Good, genial, old Doctor Harris, the rector of the 
little village church to which we have already in the 
course of our narrative alluded, thought highly of 
the young man, knowing just enough concerning 
his previous career to be well convinced of the fault- 
less integrity of his past life . One circumstance alone 
puzzled the good old Doctor, and, to a certain extent, 
prevented that free cordiality which might otherwise 
have existed between them — Harvey Hale was a 
a cynic. 

Even in his religious tenets there were traces of 
a sarcastic, satirical disposition that seemed to 
wither whatever his fancy touched, leaving always 
the impression that a geyser does — of some pent-up, 
violent, threatening force within. What might 
have produced this sourness, this bitterness, which 
like some underlying strata was ever ready to come 
to the surface on the slightest disturbance, was ever 
the question in the little community. And, although 
a church member, yet that fact hardly served to 



screen him from the often expressed suspicion, that 
one seemingly so indifferent to religious persuasion 
must be a disguised agnostic. 

Ah, well ! Each heart knows its own bitterness, 
and there are some natures, which, although pure 
and blameless, have been so misjudged and mis- 
represented, or have met with so many reverses at 
the outset of life, that they can take but little 
pleasure in thoughts or things mundane or com- 
mon : and happy is he who escapes the symptoms 
of mental and intellectual apathy which so invari- 
ably follow. 

Of such a nature was Harvey Hale, and liable to 
just such a tendency. His early training had been 
sound and good, and being of a sober, intelligent, 
inquiring state of mind, he was readily attracted by 
a religious atmosphere. This continued until his 
seventeenth year, when, his father having met with 
reverses in business, the family was plunged into 
poverty, and thus early in his career he began to be 
hampered and oppressed by a situation indefinably 
uncongenial. 

Having found it incumbent upon him to act his 
part, and college being out of the question, he had 
nobly relinquished the meditated study of a profes- 
sion and had sought instead means of obtaining a 
livelihood. For some time his exertions in this 
direction were unrewarded, and he was doomed to 
disappointment and defeat, suffering untold mortifi- 
cation from each heartless rejection. 



Feeling the poignancy of his position, less on his 
own than on the family account, for he was now 
the main support of the little home, his sensitive 
nature at length yielded and he rapidly grew iras- 
cible and irritable, and finally, almost desperate. 

Well was it for him, at this juncture, that he 
obtained an appointment as schoolmaster in the 

little village of K before mentioned, in which 

position, as we have already observed, a character 
beyond reproach and an unblemished reputation 
enabled him to exercise a certain amount of influ- 
ence of an active, potential kind. This, too, made 
his company always desirable, and hence the invita- 
tion to the social gathering from which he was now, 
returning. 

Reaching a turn in the road, his two companions 
took one path, while he, his spirits somewhat 
restored by their badinage, took the other, a path- 
way leading through a dense wood, this being the 
shortest cut to the humble dwelling a part of which 
was appropriated to his use. Coming soon in 
sight of the ruddy light which shone out upon the 
blackness from its little nook, near the window of 
his room. He pondered awhile, as if to study the 
scene, then went forward abruptly, and with a char- 
acteristic air of determination opened the door and 
disappeared within. 



CHAPTER II. 

A GREAT ocean steamship, under a full head of 
steam, is rushing along over the bosom of the 
mighty deep, over that route which usually carries 
the ordinary tourist from America to Europe — New 
York via Liverpool. The weather being rather 
rough, with a high sea running and w4th every 
prospect of a storm, her passengers, consulting 
their own safety, comfort and convenience, are 
mostly below deck. Two or three young-looking 
men alone excepted — these prompted, perhaps, by 
the foolhardy exuberance of youth — endeavor to 
keep their sea-legs moving with their accustomed 
dignity, but alas ! with poor success. Away towards 
the bow, one of these last, muffled up to the chin in 
a large grey ulster, stood watching the white-capped 
waves as they broke against the sides of the huge 
vessel, sprinkling not only the deck, but also his 
person with the light, foamy spray. 

Another individual, now advancing, drew the 
latter 's attention. 

'' Charley Seldon ! You here, too ! " he ex- 
claimed, a moment later. 

"Harvey Hale! as I'm alive!" rejoined the 
other, finding himself thus addressed by the quon- 
dam stranger. 

" The same ! And now, pray tell me what has 
induced my old school-chum to take this trip ? " 



*' Business, my dear fellow, business. Nothing 
more or less," responded the other — Charley Sel- 
don — to this rather inquisitive remark. "And 
now," continued he, imitating Harvey Hale's tone 
and quizzical stare, " what brings you here ? " 

"Oh, business, I believe; same object as your- 
self," replied Harvey. 

" Do tell ! What kind of business, if I may be 
so bold?" 

** To enter public service." 

' * Ah ! Have your friends at Washington re- 
warded you ? ' ' 

** In what way, may I ask ? " 

"Why, in securing you a diplomatic appoint- 
ment, to be sure ! " 

" Really, my dear sir, you do mistake me alto- 
gether. I have no friends who would, to that 
extent, interest themselves in me. Besides, it is the 
military service of Great Britain that I am about to 
enter. ' ' 

" You amaze me ! What ! going to exchange 
the freedom of a Republic for the tyranny of 
despotism ? ' ' 

" I am going from what has been to me the 
country of oppression — the country of blasted 
hopes — to the one which, if nothing else, is the 
country of bold, chivalrous sentiment ; and as my 
ancestors valiantly fought for the flag of Old Eng- 
land, I see not why their descendant should not live 
or die under its folds." 



8 

"Noble inspiration, young man!" exclaimed 
Charley Seldon. '* But remember," he continued, 
' ' that you were born an American ! ' ' 

''True, very true," replied Harvey, wincing 
slightly ; " but my father was born an Englishman, 
and now my parents, being dead, and my remaining 
relatives all English, there remains nothing to 
attract me any longer towards the somewhat super- 
ficial civilization of the country I have left. In 
consequence, I have decided to throw in my lot 
with a people whose history is my history, and 
whose aims are not always as mercenary as those 
of the average American." 

*' But look at the education which you have 
received," interrupted Charley Seldon. 
' ' What is that without opportunity ? ' ' 
" Well, but look at American enterprise," ob- 
served Charley, rather warmly. 

*' For that I care little. Great Britain will just 
as surely reap the benefit of it, whenever it is not 
what it seems to symbolize — American fraud.*' 

*' But consider," expostulated Charley, "what 
opportunities may be found on the Western Con- 
tinent by those who have only to avail themselves 
of them. Witness, moreover, the great number of 
men of low station and of humble birth, who, through 
perseverance, have become successful and famous." 
" Pshaw ! the same thing may be said of many 
on the other side ; but listen : How many men 
are there in the country which we have left over 



whose ashes the world will weep? Few, I expect. 
Where, again, are your men of decided convictions, 
of honest purpose, of sympathetic soul ? " 

*' We have many such." 

** Well," continued Harvey, reflectively, " I, at 
least, have failed to meet them." 

" As to that," Charley Seldon observed candidly, 
" I see you are to have the best of the argument, 
though I fear you are sadly prejudiced upon the 
entire subject." 

*• Shake!" said Harvey, extending his hand. 
*' I am glad, at all events, to meet with one who is 
of honest mind, and I shall hold you an exception 
to the general rule . ' ' 

The rough weather having somewhat abated, and 
the bell having rung for dinner, the two friends, 
arm in arm, went down to partake thereof. 

CHAPTER III. 
Right here it seems necessary to make some 
slight explanation of Harvey Hale's somewhat 
singular conduct and utterances. As the reader 
will remember, we left him in the little village of 
K , if not wealthy, at least outwardly con- 
tented. But a change came. Falling in love with 
the Judge's daughter, he forfeited the Judge's 
esteem, and although his conduct had been through- 
out quite honorable and correct in every particular, 
yet this sufficed — this so-called offence — to cost him 
his position. Unfortunately, his parents having 
both died shortly before this, he found himself 



lO 

alone in the world without resources, and not obtain- 
ing another situation readily he became despondent, 
and the natural tendency of his mind being of a 
morbid character, he had gradually arrived at the not 
uncommon but erroneous conclusion that a change 
of climate and of country was necessary. Thus, we 
can understand how a suspicious imagination, dwell- 
ing upon fancied grievances, would suggest his forego- 
ing utterances, and how also it had prompted the 
wild, if not desperate purpose, which he had in 
mind. With this brief explanation let us proceed. 

^j* ^J^ ?j^ •^ ?j^ 5j^ 

A day of intense, oppressive heat, but almost 
over now, the scorching sun no longer darts its 
fiery rays upon the lig^ht, sandy Egj^ptian soil. 

To the English army, engaged in a campaign 
against El Mahdi, the false prophet, the day has 
been one of wearisome fatigue — of necessary vigi- 
lance, of dangerous rencontre and hard- fought 
battle. Horde after horde of fierce, fanatical Arabs 
had in vain endeavored to break through the British 
lines, but how futile their ill-starred devotion to 
Mahomet, their enthusiastic zeal in behalf of the 
pretender ! Against the steady, unflinching heroism 
of Great Britain, and the more convincing aim of 
well-trained rifles, it had availed nothing. True, 
the army of occupation could not boast that it had 
suffered no loss, for there were those stretched 
upon the ground who would rise no more to unite 
in earth's conflicts. 



II 

At least, one brave officer of high rank, would 
lead his men no more to battle with the foe. L3^ing 
upon the field, he held in his death -grip the neck 
of the Arab warrior whose javelin had pierced his 
vitals. Each courageous to the last, had died true 
to his respective faith, the one to be mourned and 
remembered by a grateful nation, and the other to 
be, perhaps, even forgotten by his former associates. 

The enemy had, of course, suffered the most 
severely; yet, here and there, could be found the 
red-coat of loyalty, to prove that the hard-won 
victory had required a bloody sacrifice. 

The troops were now engaged in burying the 
dead ; the medical staff, in caring for the wounded. 
Entering the hospital tent, in front of which floated 
the British ensign, an old veteran, with grey locks, 
wearing a colonel's uniform, approached the couch 
or cot of one whose days were evidently numbered. 
Minus an arm and severely wounded from several 
sabre slashes across the body, lay a young man in 
the very bloom of early manhood. There was, 
notwithstanding the contracted brow, which bespoke 
pain and suffering, a look of intense anguish, an 
appearance of absolute despair, 

"Young man," said the Colonel, **a letter to 
you, from some friend in America, having just 
arrived by post, I have concluded it best to 
read to you its contents, while consciousness yet 
remains, in order that some consolation may be 
administered unto you ere all is over. Bravely you 



12 

fought in this day's fight, and well do you wear the 
shoulder-straps conferred upon you of a lieutenant 
in Her Majesty's Foot. Now for the letter, which 
is as follows : 

" ' K , County of , Pa. 

" ' My Dear Harvey : How could you be so cruel as to 
leave us as you did ; the village misses you greatly, and the 
old Rector has never recovered from the shock, which 
shows, notwithstanding your opinion, that he did think 
something of you. I do believe he regarded you almost as 
highly as I did. Through Charles Seldon, an acquaintance 
of mine, who has lately retured from Europe, I learned for 
the first time of your whereabouts. Pardon this brief 
epistle, if it gives offence, but return, for my sake, to the 
village. Leave war and its horrors ; my hand, which trem- 
bles much at the thought of your danger, again desires to 
join with yours in friendship and in love. 
" ' Sincerely yours, 

" ' EUZABETH LaTROBE. 

" 'P.S. — My father has lately deceased, so I am left in 
this cold, unsympathetic world alone.' 

"Harvey Hale," continued the Colonel, when 
he had finished the reading of the letter, "your 
experience of life, I judge from this, has been a 
very bitter one, and but for me, who happened a 
short time ago to discover a distant relationship, 
might have been far worse. Here, however, it appears 
is one, a young lady, who cherishes for a distant 
friend a still warm attachment and sincere regard. 
Can you now say, as I have heard you frequently 
maintain of late, with so much stubbornness, that 
selfishness is in all mankind supreme, and applied 
Christianity, in most cases, a failure ? " 



13 

" No ! " said Harvey, feebly ; " frankly, I can- 
not ! This one letter from my truest and best 
valued earthly friend has indeed converted me 
anew ! This sermon on love proves me most sel- 
fish ! Write to her, please, and inform her of my 
state. Tell her I'm sorry that we shall meet no 
more on earth, but that I die a whole-souled and 
not an indifferent Christian, hoping to meet her 
above ! And now. Colonel, I thank you for your 
kindness in befriending me. Your kindness, your 
friendship and this letter have wrought the change. 
May the Gospel of I^ove be made more practical ! 
The Surgeon comes ! Good-night ! " 



**OUR CORPORATION.' 



We had met together, at least some of our circle 
had, to form a Society which should have, with 
various beneficial features, a fund (either large or 
small) to be loaned at interest to needy members on 
good or fair security. Not that we had, before 
this, resolved to become needy in order that we 
might take advantage of others' bounty (as tramps 
do), but, then, when it was understood all round 
that " Barkis," that is to say, '' Uncle Jimmy," the 
man of means in the estimation of our little village 
community, "was willin'," of course everybody 
felt like joining, except, perhaps, the croakers. 



who are never found joining anything that they 
cannot immediately see through, and who, canny 
folk that they are, know nothing presumably of 
adversity at all. 

Let me see ! There was Hodge, to be sure, who 
had just married, and fancying himself somebody, 
not realizing his own utter insignificance and inca- 
pacity, was after the secretaryship ; that is, if 
Simpkins, the real estate broker, whose indefatiga- 
ble industry and perseverance in selling lots, war- 
ranted to prove gold mines, had made Scrub-town 
a " place," would only permit it. 

There was Snobs, the banker, whom everybody 
felt should be the treasurer, because, while he 
owed nobody anything, everybody owed him some- 
thing — if not money, at least the outward homage 
and respect which any society, however savage, 
always pays to * ' brass and sand ' ' when well mixed. 

Then, there was another, a young duck or cove 
— Sam Slinger by name — who had become by some 
" hocus pocus " a barrister or solicitor, and who, 
by reason of his proclivities for those ' ' dark mys- 
teries " known as statutes and decisions of law, it 
was broadly hinted, was a man who could readily 
give us a name, a charter and a legal existence. 
This, indeed, he did do, and then charged a fee 
later, which almost deprived us of existence, before 
we saved the treasury, by compromising with him 
at fifty cents on the dollar and costs, and so, meta- 
phorically speaking, saved " Rome," that is to say, 
*' Our Corporation." 



15 

However, the meeting was soon called to order, 
and " Uncle Jimmy," whose knowledge of any 
subject was extremely limited, was in due course 
elected president, that he might make the fine 
speeches which were to boom things and benefit 
ourselves ; and that he might be induced to regard 
it as a sort of family affair, ** Little Billie," as we 
called him — a chap who was entirely under the 
thumb of the aforesaid president — was elected sec- 
retary, with this unforeseen result, alas ! that at a 
subsequent meeting he must needs propose, as a 
co-worker or assistant, old Hodge, who, knowing 
on which side his bread was buttered, by his recent 
marriage had allied himself, in some way or other, 
with "Uncle Jimmy's" family with a view, no 
doubt, to future possibilities and to the achievement 
of his pet ambition — to become secretary of some- 
thing. And so we organized, with a board of 
managers or directors, which included almost every- 
one, rational or irrational, whom we had brought 
into the project. 

Perhaps it would interest you, good people, who 
peruse this, to know how our society progressed. 
As I was a member but for one year, and at its 
close had learned so much about association 
methods, corporate profits, etc., that I fully believed 
myself competent to write a text-book on the sub- 
ject, it may now well be doubted whether I am 
competent to write even this little epistle, as there 
are "others " in the concern yet, who, with addi- 
tional years to their credit, should have a wider 
experience and be, therefore, wiser than myself. 



i6 

To proceed, nevertheless, the first incident of 
any importance which took place occurred soon 
aften\'ards, at the next regular meeting, when Sam 
Slinger (the solicitor) arose to say, '* that he had 
just handed a little bill to the secretary for some 
service rendered." Immediately the fun com- 
menced. It was moved that the bill be not paid ; 
" that no bills be paid, but that they be laid upon 
the table. ' ' Here Sam interposed to inquire whether 
the document, which he had drawn up and for which 
payment was desired, would be wanted that evening, 
as he had almost concluded to return it to his pocket, 
seeing how his little bill had fared. I need not add 
that this poser opportunely settled the matter in his 
favor, and in favor of that higher education which 
is now entering so much into our daily comprehen- 
sion, and which by some is denominated shrewd 
cunning, and by others sound common sense. 

Well, "Be not wise above what is written," for 
verily the day of reckoning came suddenly upon 
Sam Slinger. He had, it is true, done much to 
advance the interests of Our Corporation and to 
make it a success from the start, although he had 
not, unfortunately, succeeded in ingratiating himself 
into the favor of Hodge, whose favorite motion to 
lay on the table he had so signally defeated. So 
that when " Uncle Jimmy," the president, set out 
for Europe, to be gone six months or more, we had 
a premonition, or rather guessed, there would be 
much in store for us, and we were not disappointed. 
Hodge, now a mortal enemy of Slinger 's, insisted 



17 

that he had now become president, though by what 
means he was delegated to act as such none knew, 
or could give a reason. Slinger warned him — it 
was no use. Little Billie argued with him — to no 
purpose. He either would not or could not be con- 
vinced that he was not president. 

Of course, I sided with the majority, for I love 
peace, if it is to be had at any price, and it was 
moreover a numerous party who followed * * Uncle 
Jimmy ' ' and had now come to look upon Hodge 
as his prime minister. One thing is certain — that 
at that time, with the aid of little Billie (who had 
resigned as secretary), he was decidedly the ruling 
spirit. And here we come to the grand finale — 
Slinger resigned. He said ' * he knew law, ' ' where- 
upon Hodge replied that he knew something better 
— ** his fists ;" and so the little affair ended. 

When * ' Uncle Jimmy ' ' returned, he was put into 
possession of all the facts of the usurpation at 
once, but with a good grace declared good- 
humoredly that Hodge was the president, as much 
so as he was his son-in-law ; that he would see that 
he was regarded as such, and that a solicitor was 
always in the way and was therefore unnecessary. 

Whether this was so or not I will not pretend to 
say. I can only add that being somewhat staggered 
at the manner by which this knotty point was set- 
tled, I withdrew from the Corporation, with a net 
gain of ten cents upon my investment for the year. 



I do not know whether the treasurer has left as 
yet for Canada, but I do know that some of the 
members are fearful lest with so many who have 
departed for other scenes, he, too, may vanish from 
view. 

As I have been informed since that there is not 
now anything remaining in the treasury, most of 
the funds having been expended upon expensive 
law suits, there is nothing to make away with, and 
I will still pin my faith to Snobs, the banker, who 
never had but one share in the concern , and whose 
only fault, if any, was that he with myself attended 
the first meeting, and with me became a charter 
member. 

WHICH CHOS:i5 THB BEST ? 

As published in the Presbyterian Journal, June 5th, 1890, 
The rich man proudly made his boast. 

More gold shall yet my coffers fill ; 
The grain, which now my storehouse bursts, 

Must be. confined more closely still. 
My slaves shall build me greater barns, 

I'll tempt them, while I try their skill, 
And for my soul which restless is, 

Shall all things be, just as I will. 

The poor man murmured at the gate : 

I'm pick, heart-broken, soon mvist die, 
The dogs have pity, give me bread ! 

The crumbs ! the crumbs I Don't pass me by. 
The rich man noticed, turned away 

With angry look and hardened heart ; 
His servant threw the offal out, 

With hidden look and hasty start. 



19 

That night, a mob of desperate men 

With rage assailed the rich mau's door, 
The fainting beggar crushed to death ; 

Cared they for nothing human more, 
Two souls, beyond the grave are met, 

One by redeemed hosts made glad. 
The other in a fiery lyake, 

By anguish tortured, almost mad. 

What need to say, which chose the best, 

Which won the diadem, the crown ! 
The rich man's wealth was fickle, false, 

Into the abyss, cast him down. 
Where now, the glory, once his own ! 

Where now, the heedless, haughty boast ! 
The one has fled, the other waits 

The condemnation uttermost. 



th:]^ sabbath. 

As published in the Presbyterian Journal, July loth, 1890. 
Sweet Sabbath, God's own holy day 

Yet wisely made for man ; 
How oft descends the heavenly ray. 

To cheer life's weary span. 
How often, when by ill distressed. 

Doth aid and succor come 
Upon the day that God hath blessed — 

One out of seven's sum. 

Let us observe it then, with care 

As doth the Lord command. 
Of idleness, of sin beware. 

Let labor none demand. 
Take heed and study Nature's law. 

The wondrous love divine. 
Be taught of tlim, who bids us pause, 

To light the inner shrine. 



20 

TRU^ SOURCE OF CONTENTMENT. 

Published in The Daily News of Philadelphia, January 9th. 1886. 
(Somewhat revised.) 

'Tis not the wealth of millions, 

That bringeth peace of niiud, 
The rich at times, with cares perplexed, 

No happiness can find. 

Some strive, on field of battle. 

To win e'erlasting fame ; 
But, when at last the goal is reached, 

'Tis found an empty name. 

Even the king upon his throne, 

While low his subjects kneel, 
With cares of state, sore overwhelmed, 

No joy of heart can feel. 

Happy the man, whose lot is cast. 

Where he may useful be, 
Whose character is such that love 

Doth blend with piety. 



THE FEDERAI^IST'S REWARD. 

As published in The Philadelphia Inquirer^ July 16, 1888. 

You ask me why I feel so sad. 

This pleasant summer day ; 
While waving bough and nodding flower 

Rejoice so blithe and gay. 

While all in Nature is so glad, 

Why am I musing here. 
I grieve to think Rebellion's stain, 

Should once have cost so dear. 



21 



To think, what men of note and worth, 
The brave, the good, the true, 

We have been forced to sacrifice, 
Without the credit due. 

The foes that once confronted us, 
Have now become our friends. 
And hint that nothing must be said, 
For they have made amends. 

Our trophies of the triumphs won. 
They'd gladly set at naught, 

For each of these reminds them now 
Upon which side they fought. 

Should we obey presumptuous zeal^ 

To bring about accord ? 
No ! Let not now oblivion be 

The Federalist's reward. 



PATHS THAT I,:^AD AWAY. 

As published in Church Chimes of Philadelphia. 

Trudging along a country road one day, 
Between rich fields that for the reaper waiting lay, 
By many a clover patch and daisy gay, 

I came upon a point, from which did other paths lead far 
away. 

Dwelling in fondness on the sweet past fled, 

I lingered here awhile, e'er on niy wa}^ I sped, 

By Mem'ry 's minion being captive led, to scenes of long ago ; 

Thus musing, Life is like a dream I said. 



22 

We start, and all seems new, and bright, and gay ; 
Our friends in company, we haste along the way ; 
Chasing the shadows off that round us play. 
We heed not care the while, why should we know that paths 
do lead away. 

Till suddenly, and then we part for aye. 
And one goes this fair road, and one goes that some day, 
And each, almost alone, pursues his way, still plodding on, 
From where those other paths led friends away. 

But, though our journey now is oft times slow. 
Let's brighter make each path, as to the goal we go. 
Rejoicing, let us always good seed sow, that others after us 

may see 
What beauties we have left for them to know. 



MOTHl^R MIN^. 

To my mother, Mary A. Hanna, who passed peacefully away Decem- 
ber 3, 1895. (As published in the Presbyterian Journal ,) 

Gone from contact with Earth's sorrows : 

Gone from suff 'ring human ills : 
Pain and heartache, no To-morrow 

Brings to thee — so Heaven wills. 

Though I cannot now recall thee. 

Soars thy Soul in safe retreat ; 
May I hope that yon thy presence 

Watches by His mercy-seat. 

Waits to welcome, when His purpose 
Is to call Earth's wanderer Home, 

And the Mediator's pleadings 
Finds me shelter, ne'er to roam. 



23 



May my thoughts e'er travel upward, 

Visions of true glory see : 
As I tread this vale of darkness 

Missing most thy sympathy. 

May the God, whom we both worshiped, 

Keep me safely in his care : 
Till with thee, before Him serving, 

We meet midst joys beyond compare. 

Mother mine, the worst is over, 
Earth has parted from thy sight ; 

Rest thee in the Land of Beauty, 
Rest thee in His Love — His Light. 



MONOPOI/Y VS. TRUTH. 

The time had come for battle, with a ruthless, scornful foe. 

That threatened to devour Her, if she abroad should go ; 

Would Truth's banner be uplifted? Yes! All hail the glor- 
ious sight ! 

See ! It dawns upon the vision ! See ! It waves among the 
Right ! 

For a monster Corporation, with it's franchises ill-gained. 

Held at naught a great, free people, its own promises dis- 
dained ; 

Would have taxed all Earth's creation to the extremest 
bound, 

So that its hated magnates might grow rich and sleek and 
round. 

And, one of them, a tyrant was, a bitter, faithless man ; 
No renegade, no rascal, more traitor in the van ; 
Whose only aim and purpose was to make his coffers swell 
Till oppressions of the people should his banishment compel. 



24 

But Truth has donned her armor, her sword is bright and 

keen. 
She will make the false foe quiver, though e'er so base and 

mean. 
She will o'erthrow the mighty, she will cast the robbers out, 
She will end the turmoil quickly, hear the people vict'ry 

shout. 

Let Monopoly no longer gain sway or prospect here, 
Let the City own its railways, its water works, its piers ; 
Let the City be a City, not a ramble, shamble town, 
Owned by vicious speculators, unshamed by Virtue's frown. 



MUNICIPAI, RieFORM FROM AN ^DUCA- 
TIONAI< STANDPOINT. 

If there is any principle through which Municipal 
Reform can be accomplished, that principle, I am 
of opinion, will eventually be recognized to be 
educational in character. Given a permanent or- 
ganization of the right sort, with this as its work- 
ing basis, and results cannot but inevitably follow. 

Nearly all recent Municipal Reform movements 
in the city of Philadelphia have apparently over- 
looked the fact that the citizen must be properly 
educated up to the full measure of his civic respon- 
sibility before he can vote intelligently and from an 
adequate comprehension of what municipal issues 
involve. 

As the average citizen is usually but little swayed 
in his opinions by the stentorian oratory which 
proceeds from the public platform, owing to the 
fact that he must necessarily, in times like these, 



25 

question the motives of those who seek in this 
manner to influence his vote, some other means 
must now be found to influence his mind aright 
in behalf of safe and economical public measures, 
wise and expedient legislation or sound views of 
public policy. 

The public press, at one time relied on to give 
unbiased information and advice, has of late sig- 
nally failed to fulfill its mission in this respect, 
although it invariably throws much light upon the 
given subject. The Church holds itself aloof from 
politics from fear of contamination, although com- 
menting most severely upon existing tendencies 
and conditions. The universities and colleges teach 
sound doctrine to their students, it is true ; but 
there they stop. There is really no institution for 
educating the citizen and voter, as such, in connec- 
tion with any existing political party, nor am I 
at all certain that he would attend if there was one. 

As the unbiased views of those neighbors, with 
whose circumstances and prospects in life he is well 
acquainted, and with whose motives he can find no 
question, seldom fail to move a non-partisan tax- 
payer or citizen to cast his ballot aright, may we 
not take it for granted that associations of neigh- 
bors for political purposes upon an educational 
basis would be a good thing for the community at 
large. The University Extension idea is to carry 
education to the very doors of the people, who can 
ill afford to spare the time to go any distance to 



26 

obtain it. This idea of educating the people in 
their own neighborhoods could be tried with happy 
success in the field of politics. 

The question arises, however, would not the poli- 
ticians at once offer themselves as fit teachers and 
instructors, and thus no benefits be obtained ? This 
is true, and it must be forthwith admitted that some 
measure should be immediately adopted to keep 
this class, always rightly suspected, out of the 
movement. The suggestion is made, in order to 
show by illustration how all these ends can best be 
accomplished, that in each and every Election 
Division of the city of Philadelphia, if possible, 
true reform clubs, composed of the independent and 
non-partisan element, embracing men of all political 
parties, be formed, and that the following ten 
officers not place-holders or politicians in office be 
elected in connection therewith : a grand sachem 
and two sachems (constituting the chairman and 
committee upon political matters, one of whom 
shall preside during the debates, lectures, etc., in 
the club on such subjects as Local Option, Pro- 
hibition, High License, Single Tax, Referendum, 
Municipal Ownership, etc.), president, vice-presi- 
dent, treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, 
debater (who shall select the subject for debate 
and open the subject by appointing affirmative and 
negative sides), and a grand sentinel (who shall act 
as door-keeper and as judge in conducting elections.) 
The meetings to be private or public, as previously 
determined upon, and where in any division there 



27 . 

is not a sufficient number of men from all parties of 
independent views upon municipal questions, two 
or three or more Election Divisions to combine in 
originating and maintaining the club for the same. 

Not only could clubs founded upon this plan do 
a great deal towards disseminating useful knowl- 
edge, but they might also, should they see fit, 
influence the result for division officers at the 
primaries and polls in favor of some one or other 
of their members. And, to carry the plan further, 
suppose that each club in a ward sent a representa- 
tive, serving on its political committee, to a ward 
convention to consider candidates of political parties 
for office, with strict reference to reputation, record 
and fitness, would not some definite results be 
achieved, that will never be accomplished under 
existing conditions or by temporary, spasmodic 
effi^rts in behalf of individuals. By the moral 
influence which this balance of power organization 
would develop and exert, the existing political 
parties would be virtually compelled to select and 
nominate proper candidates. Again, each ward 
convention of club representatives might send a 
delegate from its number to a higher or municipal 
convention, or a municipal league, with a view of 
having the organization, as such, decide in favor of 
some one or other of the political candidates for 
office, or, if need be, in favor of an independent 
movement, thus facilitating the signing of nomina- 
tion papers, etc. 



28 

To prevent any club from being captured by the 
adherents of a political party dominated by some 
boss, on the eve of an election, it would be well to 
provide that the club increase by tens, and that not 
until more than half that number are on the wait- 
ing list shall the vote in reference thereto be taken. 
To insure that only those of good character join, 
applications for membership should go over until 
the next meeting. 

Thus, it seems to me, that if you effect a per- 
manent organization of this sort, having in mind 
the educational principle, you pave the way assur- 
edly for Reform Municipal, and for the presentation, 
from time to time, of what is really of value, by 
the respective upholders of Local Option, Pro- 
hibition, High License, Single Tax, Referendum, 
Municipal Ownership, etc. Instead of adherents 
of these doctrines discussing as segregated coteries 
their pet hobbies without result, the fashion very 
often in ecclesiastical matters ; they will then be in 
a position to exchange views with one another, 
and, if possible, make like converts and enthusiasts, 
while working with others for common results 
political. 

Education and permanent organization, of the 
right kind, must ever go hand in hand in bringing 
about needed reform. 



29 

WOMAN'S RIGHTS.— (Sic Semper Tyranus.) 

Once in the lapse of ages past there lived a man 
whose name was Adam, and singular though it may 
seem, there was not a woman on the face of the 
globe, nor ever had been. Finding that by a spe- 
cial act of Providence he had been created and 
that he was alone upon the earth, in accordance 
with the Divine will, he took the title of sovereign 
over the inferior creatures, nor was this at all sin- 
gular since they readily and willingly submitted to 
him. For quite a time he ruled wisely and well, 
possessing and exercising the executive, legislative 
and judicial powers without dispute. But finally, 
becoming discontented with his lonesome lot (as we 
sturmise) a woman was sent to him. Now did his 
troubles commence, for although he retained the ac- 
tual government as before, yet the woman being in- 
sinuatingly artful by reason of her beauty, often ob- 
tained her own objects and aims. Unhappily, on 
one such occasion, having obeyed her instructions 
and set the Divine authority at defiance, it cost him 
almost the absolute annihilation of his power and 
dominion, reducing him to poverty and wretched- 
ness and releasing creation from obedience to him, 
though not completely. 

Can we wonder that woman through the long 
ages that ensued lost many of her natural and civil 
rights. However, in the last quarter of the Nine- 
teenth Century, we are again called to promote the 
woman above the man, for that is practicallj^ what 



30 

this talk about the elevation of woman amounts to. 
Let us endeavor by facts to show that such is the 
case. What is now demanded ? Woman's Rights. 
Now let us consider the nature of these rights. It 
is, of course, to be presumed that they do not desire 
to lose any of the rights, common or special, which 
they have acquired or do now enjoy. Let us look, 
for instance, at the employments which woman's 
labor controls, teaching, sewing, dressmaking, mil- 
linery, fancy work, etc. It must not for one instant 
be supposed that by Woman's Rights is meant the 
opening up or surrender of these avenues of employ- 
ment to men. The agitators on this subject may 
say so, but you will find that women as a class 
think and act differently. Let us look again at 
some of the civil rights to which women under the 
law are entitled. For instance, there is the right of 
alimony, by and through which she may compel 
her husband to contribute to her support. The 
right of owning and controlling property, with spe- 
cial exemptions in her favor. By Woman's Rights 
is not meant the yielding of these rights, that all 
may enjoy life in common ; no, far from it. What 
then are the powers which they desire ? Briefly 
enumerated they are these : The right to enter into 
those employments and professions from which 
hitherto they have been debarred, and in which men 
have labored ; to become lawyers, doctors, minis- 
ters, masons and in all likelihood bricklayers and 
carpenters, just as their inclinations direct ; the 
right to representation in the government and to 



31 

participation in its control without being obliged to 
perform all the duties of citizenship, that is, they 
would control the Government while the men up- 
hold it. 

Many other principles that they insist upon might 
be mentioned here, but as these are mostly subordi- 
nate, it will not be necessary to mention them at 
present. 

Let us now consider, in conclusion, whether there 
is anything dishonorable about woman's present 
condition and whether circumstances are such as to 
warrant such a radical change in the course of 
human affairs as is desired. Are the employments 
open to woman so crowded that they must neces- 
sarily enter those of men ? I have never heard it 
stated that such is the case. Again, supposing that 
women were admitted into the vocations pursued by 
men, does it follow as a general consequence that 
they would all be benefited thereby ? I am inclined 
to doubt such an assertion. Granted that women 
be allowed to enter those departments from which 
they have been shut out, what must necessarily fol- 
low as a result of an over abundant labor supply ? 
A decrease of wages. Of one thing we may be tol- 
erably certain in such a case, and that is, that 
women, being able to live cheaper, having generally 
no families to support, will eventually control the 
labor market. Nor will men only feel the hardship 
of this. Married women will then, too late, see the 
error that has been made. And now as to the fit- 



32 

ness of women for legislators, history, that science 
of the past, furnishes us with no clear precedent. 
Man has always been considered as the one born to 
rule. He has in all ages and from all time been the 
legislator and the defender, being called on at times 
even to shed his blood for the government ; and 
should he not have the principal share in its direc- 
tion ? Woman has a sphere of her own in which to 
gain glory and renown. Let her devote herself to 
those fields in which she is indispensable. Let her 
make the world happier, and better, and brighter ; 
let her begin at home. 



A WONDKRFUI, DISCOVERY. 

(Abstract of an article in the Glasgow Herald.) 

At a place called Whiteinch, near Partick, at 
the confluence of the Clyde and the Kelvin, in 
Lanark County, Scotland, a wonderful discovery 
has recently been made. There, relieved of the 
mould of many centuries, a great fossil grove has 
been revealed, and now lies in all its parts exposed 
to the eye. 

The leading scientists of Glasgow city and the 
neighborhood have seen these trees, and have un- 
hesitatingly pronounced them the finest collection 
in Europe. The following are the circumferences 
at the thickest part of each stem : 

I -II feet, 4 inches. 
I — 8 feet, 10% inches. 
I — 8 feet, 7 inches. 
I — 8 feet, 6 inches. 



33 

1 — 8 feet, I inch. 
I — 6 feet, 8 inches. 
I — 6 feet, 6 inches. 
I — 6 feet, 4 inches. 
I — 5 feet, 3 inches. 

These trees vary in height, from the root upward, 
from one to three feet, all having been broken off 
where the schist ends and where the sandstone 
begins. 

One fallen tree, lying at an oblique angle to the 
erect trees measures, what is seen of it, i8 feet, lo 
inches ; while another huge one, only partially 
uncovered as yet, lies longitudinally and is some- 
what like 4 feet in diameter. The floor on which 
these wonderful fossils stand measures 64 by 25 feet. 
Geologists (experts) experience considerable diffi- 
culty as to the generic identification of these trees, 
their conclusions differing widely from one another. 

Mr. John Young, who, in conjunction with Mr. 
D. C. Glenn, prepared a paper on the subject for 
the Geological Society of Glasgow, is of opinion 
that these trees are of immense age — older than the 
human race, to which they have just been revealed ; 
older, indeed, than animal life of any kind, with 
the exception, perhaps, of a kind of leech or earth- 
worm, traces of which have been met with in the 
surrounding strata. He regards the strata they 
now stand in as a portion of the fossil coal and 
ironstone series, and believes that these trees have 
been covered with 3,000 feet of strata, which after 
being deposited has again been reduced to a few 
feet by denudation. 



34 
ON THB Sl^I/iECTION OF A VOCATION. 

'Tis done ! After much thought and careful 
consideration the choice of a vocation has been 
made. Nor is this a matter to be spoken of lightly. 
In it great interests are at stake ; upon it does the 
individual's subsequent success or failure depend. 

The old Roman maxim says that * ' all roads lead 
to Rome. " But we are compelled to admit that the 
same is not true of prosperity. Hence it must be 
an occasion of solemn moment to him who, upon 
the brink of manhood, stands prepared to throw off 
entirely the lightheartedness and frivolity of child- 
hood and to plunge into a sea of unknown depth, 
whose parts are unexplored. Happy should be he 
whose inclination so positively asserts itself that he 
may unhesitatingly venture, and without deep re- 
flection, launch out upon the sea of life. 

Unhappily, the number of persons who can thus 
proceed is exceedingly limited. The vast majority, 
laying what stress they can on signs and omens 
of uncertain import, ready to clutch at straws, 
must proceed slowly and painfully onward, feeling 
their way into their proper spheres. 

Life, however, is short, and quickly rolls on the 
flight ot time, so that many, becoming rock-bound, 
never reach the haven of their hopes. The few 
that do, congratulate themselves and wonder, when 
in retrospective mood, however it came to pass. 

Many are the disappointments to be borne, and 
life would be a blank, a dreary solitude, did not an 
unquenchable, undying hope, the outcome of re- 
ligion, step in and with mild and healing sympathy 
bid us look above. 



35 



POI/ITICAI^ FREEDOM IN AMERICA. 

(An Essay.) 

It might seem almost incredible that in free 
America, a country claiming to have the most 
enlightened constitutional government on the face 
of the globe, a condition of affairs exists almost 
too deplorable to mention. What has produced 
this sad situation may be easily surmised when we 
remember the causes which hastened the overthrow 
of the ancient republics of Greece and Rome, whose 
great cities to-day lie crumbling in decay. Experi- 
ence, indeed, seems to confirm the hypothesis, that 
in proportion as a government is free and liberal, so 
do the rapacious, the unscrupulous, the ambitious, 
have an opportunity to triumph over the free spirit 
of its institutions. In this progressive age ** Tem- 
pus res mutat ' ' and the laws of the past give way 
to the enlightened opinions of the present. A con- 
stitution that will not submit to modification may 
be an instrument capable alike of doing as much 
harm as it does good, since the interpretation put 
upon it to-day may give to fraud just the support it 
requires. The virtue of a law, it is apprehended, 
lies not in the rule itself, but in its spirit ; and as 
J. Fenimore Cooper, the American novelist, has 
said : ' * How can a nation be truly said to be inde- 
pendent that imports its thoughts, as it imports its 
wares, from abroad, and has not even the spirit to 
invent its own prejudices ? " 



36 

In America life, liberty and the pursuit of happi- 
ness is exemplified in a way quite startling. Indi- 
vidual selfishness, unrestrained, tramples upon 
principle, and with the aid of wealth, power and 
influence institutes and maintains a system of 
slavery unrivalled by the ancients. Bribery and 
corruption flourish, and bossism rejoices. 

Nothing seems to reflect this tendency more than 
an American election. The nominees for office 
are often men of questionable integrity, of loose 
morals and dissipated character. Representing not 
the American people, but an iniquitous combine or 
ring, these men are usually elected in the face of 
all legitimate opposition. 

Corporations know their tools, and the average 
American soon realizes, in despair, what it means 
to cope single-handed with monopoly. The desire 
to hold political office at any cost, too often at the 
sacrifice of friendship, principle, honor and sin- 
cerity, is deplorable, and is far more reaching in 
its influence than is commonly supposed. It has 
established a standard of morality which, unfor- 
tunately, permeates social and mercantile life to a 
truly alarming degree. 

Since it is generally conceded that patriotism 
vanishes when individual greed is allowed to defeat 
principle, who can wonder that anarchy progresses ? 
Given a Robespierre, and who shall not say, with 
Justice Kent, that " When the spirit of liberty has 
fled, and truth and justice are disregarded, private 
rights may easily be sacrificed under the forms of law . 



37 

A GRilSAT PROBI^EM. 

We live in an age of uncertainty ; that which 
was the sentiment and purpose of to-day often 
ceases to be that of the morrow. Customs, man- 
ners, opinions and habits, whether political, social 
or religious, are changing with a rapidity that is 
truly surprising. Great questions requiring imme- 
diate settlement are constantly coming to the sur- 
face, only to be in every way evaded or indecisively 
answered. lyCgislation, religion, politics and science 
are all being daily confronted with issues that never 
appeared before, and as the mariner's compass, 
when a magnet is brought near it, trembles and 
quivers and turns aside for awhile, the people, with 
each new issue, vainly try to turn aside, to go 
around, but not toward. Often do we find them 
ready to accomplish that to-day which they will 
repent of to-morrow ; raging and turbulent a 
moment ago, but mild and obedient now. 

Among the many questions that at the present 
day combine to unsettle the public mind, undoubt- 
edly that of races is one of the greatest. Passing 
over the Indian Question, which is beyond doubt a 
great issue, but one which an honest and intelligent 
legislature can settle ; setting aside all questions of 
religion, science, etc., it is my purpose to treat only 
of the position of the government as regards the 
question, "How shall we legislate as regards the 
races, African and Mongolian ? " * ' All mankind, ' ' 
says the Constitution, *' were created free and 



38 

equal ; ' ' and yet this general doctrine has been 
held not to apply to the African and Mongolian 
races. Possibly the difference of color was over- 
looked at the time of its adoption ; at any rate, these 
people now insist upon enjoying equal rights with 
ourselves, and it is hard to see, as everything now 
stands, how these rights can be denied them. One 
thing is certain, curious complications will result 
whether they are recognized or denied. The African 
race, since the abolition of slavery, has acquired 
nearly all the rights of citizenship, and what few 
barriers remain are fast giving way to persistent 
effort. That they should be allowed to enjoy the 
most of these rights for which they have contended 
so long is, to my mind, just and proper ; but when 
we are called to throw down everything, to reduce 
everything to a dead level , I think we well may differ. 

We are asked to admit them to the public schools 
in spite of race, propriety, manners, morals, preju- 
dice and a host of other natural reasons ; to level 
everything that savors of distinction, or prevents 
social intercourse or even marriage ; to admit them 
into our institutions, charitable and otherwise, and 
also to forget that there is an average difference in 
intelligence between whites and blacks. They com- 
plain, too, of the discriminations made against them, 
not considering that the prohibitions are imposed 
not only upon the one race but upon the other also. 
Surely that policy is best, even if deprivatory in its 
character, if it is the best for the public good ; if it 



39 

promotes the general welfare and a healthful, moral, 
social, intellectual growth. The colored race should 
not ask or expect to receive anything in common 
with the white race. 

Each should maintain itself distinct. What they 
ought to demand should be equal privileges for each ; 
that is, equal school facilities of as high a grade as 
is maintained for the white children. As to the right 
of suffrage and their other political rights it is with- 
out question necessary and just that they should 
enjoy these. 

And now let us look at that part of our subject 
which is so absorbingly interesting on the Pacific 
slope, the Chinese question. The principal objec- 
tions raised against the Chinese are that they are 
morally and socially a degraded race ; that they will 
live cheaper and without the comforts that even the 
commonest laborer requires, thus being able to work 
for a lower rate of wages, or when in business to 
undersell their neighbors, and lastly, that they are 
heathen and cannot be Americanized. As to the 
first of these objections I would simply say that the 
degraded condition of the race is owing entirely or 
chiefly to outside influences. Can we blame the Chi- 
nese for the opium habit ? Did not civilized Europe 
and our own country force it upon them ? What 
with whisky, opium, gun powder and cannon, is it so 
surprising that the Chinese code of morals is so low. 
The objection that the Chinese are a heathen people 
who cannot be Americanized is of small moment, 



40 

and in regard to this point I am also constrained to 
say that we should not too hastily censure them. 
Have any of the European powers or have we acted 
openly or justly, honestly or graciously towards this 
people ? Can we wonder that with the treatment 
they have received and still continue to receive that 
they should entertain no lofty opinion either of 
Americans or Christianity ? We cannot blame the 
Chinese race for what we ourselves have made it. 
Our argument against the introduction of the Chi- 
nese loses force when we do this. No, it is only on 
the ground of expediency that their introduction can 
be opposed. This other and best objection seems to 
me to be the only one on which we can rely. We 
must look at our own people. If they are to suffer 
either in trade, morals or social intercourse, then will 
it be proper for us to close the gates against Chinese 
emigration. And that the introduction of Chinese 
will in every way be disastrous to the people there 
can be no question. We have in a measure ruined 
this people, we must now beware lest they ruin us. 
Having reduced them to the lowest depths, we must 
not allow the influence to counteract upon ourselves. 
Only by acknowledging our policy and conduct in 
the past to have been wrong and by declaring our- 
selves firm and resolute now can we successfully 
meet this Great Problem. 



41 



THB DOOMED SHIP. 

Still denser grows the murky gloom, 

The moaning waves wash by, 
As if in dread of hidden shoal, 

The good ship oft doth shy. 

The captain stands upon the bridge, 

The trumpet in his hand, 
And waits with weary, anxious look 

To sight the hidden land. 

So frequently the whistle blows, 
With screams loud, clear and shrill, 

That all who hear its warning cry 
Feel fast their blood grow chill. 

Hark, what is that, that o'er the deep 
Doth signal with hoarse throat ? 

Another monster steaming in 
Must pass their creeping boat. 

Must soon decide midst vap'rous clouds, 

Which way to steer and how ; 
But, hold ! Avast there ! What is this? 

It is a vessel's prow. 

Alas, alas, with cleaving stroke, 

She deals a fearful blow ; 
With crashing sound goes crushing through 

And cuts her clean in two. 

The captain shouts, the crew are called. 

The boats swing o'er the side ; 
But, ere her hapless people board, 

She sinks beneath the tide. 



42 



To ye who wait on yonder shore, 

Who fondly wait in vain, 
What sorrow will the message bring, 

" Collided on the Main." 

The fog that now shuts out from view 

All objects on the sea. 
Will lift, but never lifts the veil 

That cloaks eternity. 



TH1$ OI<D OAK'S BND. 

A noble oak in the forest stood 

Firm, erect and strong ; 

For years it had reared its lofty head, 

Above both flood and storm ; 
The safe, sure home of the feathered tribe 
That there had gathered long, 
And of creatures shy of timid look 

That hid beneath its form. 

But, with sharp, keen axe the woodsman came 

One bright and sunny morn, 
He only saw a massive trunk 

That would the sea adorn ; 
So he hacked and hewed with might and main, 

Nor heeded Nature's frown. 
Till with a fearful deafening crash 

The towering tree came down. 

The beasts of the field fled far and wide, 

Dismayed the sight to see ; 
The birds flew off with wild, wierd cries 

Of requiem melody. 
Nor long was it before the spot 
By weeds o'ergrown, by wormy rot, 
Lay wasted and forgot. 



43 
THIS OI<D YBAR»S DBPARTUR15. 

The Old Year on the threshold stood, 
Looked up to the clouds and sighed, 
While denser grew the gloom around, 
Deep silence came and reigned profound 

With Night so wierd and still. 

The Old Year drew his cloak around, 
It folded him from view ; 
Then off the treacherous threshold slipped, 
As o'er the same the New Year tripped, 
And took a tumble in. 

A mocking laugh is heard without, 
You are enthroned, it seems to say ; 
Yet will you find Earth's pleasures stay 
But for a year, soon, soon away, 

So happy be to-day. 



I/IGHTS OUT. 

Beside the grave a hero stands 

Of many a hard fought field. 
While near the troops in hollow square 

By blue sky stand revealed. 

Artillery roars beneath the hill, 
Awhile, and then is still ; 
Then infantry their volleys fire, 

And silent pause until 
Lights Out, a bugle calls. 

Mellow, clear, but shrill. 



44 



Lights Out, across the open grave 

The echoes faintly float ; 
Ah, yes, another hero sleeps, 

Nor hears that ling' ring note ; 
The one that's left will ne'er again 
With him draw ready rein ; 
Though oft will he the story tell 

Of blood bespattered plain, 
Lights Out, awaiting too, 

A place among Death's slain. 



AMBITION. 

And have you found entrance alway 

In other minds than mine ? 
I have from King to Peasant down 

At some time in their day. 
And did they then, as I do now, 

Hold fast thy glittering form ? 
Yes, till some tempest came at last 

And by me swept them past. 

Oh ! cruel monster, demon, beast ; 

And would'st thou let me go? 
Yes, thou art timid and not fit. 

To Earth's high glories know. 



THE BXII^B. 

Away from his country, away from his home, 
Beyond the great ocean he sadly doth roam, 
And muses perhaps on the land once his own 
From which he now wanders an Exile alone. 

The songs of the birds and the blossoms of Spring 
Cause the old scenes and mem'ries the closer to cling ; 
While the ashy hued mantle cold Winter doth bring 
Tempers well with the heart that no longer can sing. 



45 

The land once the theme of his patriot's pride, 
For which brave men nobly had fought and had died ; 
A barren waste now its place has supplied 
For the tyrant has entered and long occupied. 

Has divided the land, while Liberty sighed, 
And his minions the people now mock and deride ; 
As they groan in their thraldom for want of a guide, 
Ah ! few can know how the Exile is tried. 



TO A FRIKND. 



The young look to the future, the old think of the past, 
Should you grow old, remember one who prized you to the 

last. 
Yet see you do your duty in this great world of ours, 
Love man, serve God ; forever true, reach fair yon Heaven's 

bowers. 



PHII^ANTHROPY'S QUISRY. 

Brother, pause : is it no use 
For us to work and wait ? 

And do you sneer at those who try 
A race to elevate. 

What if it should weary 

Minds devising good, 
To ever hear your murmurs, 

To feel misunderstood. 

Knowing well, you do misjudge 
Whate'er they undertake, 

Suppose then for a moment 
These should their work forsake. 



46 

Suppose that quitting, leaving all» 
They should take your advice, 

Would you then find it so easy 
To make your creed suffice ? 

Suppose your words believing, 
These should do thus and so. 

Under your guidance keeping, 
Would our world the better grow ? 



TO FIND HBAV^N. 

Go not to the well that soon is dry, 
Try not aloft with the birds to fly ; 
Improve but the moments, as Time rolls by, 
Prepare for a World beyond the sky. 

Let not vain thoughts your temper try, 
Let no harsh words wound Spirit shy. 
Endeavor to cheer, whom e'er doth sigh, 
Not far away doth the Kingdom lie. 

A Kingdom, where all is lovely and bright ; 
A Kingdom, where never doth come the Night ; 
A Kingdom, where all are robed in lyight. 
Ah ! yes ! 'tis Heaven's gates blind the sight. 

'Tis only those, that by strength and might. 
Resolve they will conquer or die in the fight ; 
'Tis only those who obey the right 
That live soon to wear the spotless white. 

That live the glory with One to share 
Who died the guilt of a world to bear, 
To carry from us both Sin and Care 
And give us the right to enter there. 



47 

Would you live to enter that Region fair, 
Remember ! those who will do and dare 
Are those who will cross the threshold rare 
To taste of its joys beyond compare. 

Then turn not aside from Duty's call ; 
Why should you tarry without the wall ? 
A Book for the rescued from Satan's thrall 
Will show you what lies beyond the pall. 

Will show you the way is free to all, 
Will show you the Throne in the Mansion Hall ; 
A Light, it will guide you o'er mountains tall, 
Beyond the gate, beyond the wall. 



THB MYSTIC PBW.-(A Satire.) 

Once upon a time there existed in a far off land 
of the sea a queer and peculiar people, who were 
known as the " Mystic Few." 

Although strange in many respects, they never- 
theless considered themselves a highly intellectual 
people ; every second or third man being either a 
doctor, a lawyer, a literary curiosity or a politician. 

All the farmers were botanists or naturalists, and 
all the laborers and artisans were either mineralo- 
gists, geologists, chemists or scientists. In fact the 
people were so imbued with theology, natural and. 
moral philosophy and an irresistible desire for truth, 
or rather wisdom, that these and some other of the 
most difficult subjects were lightly and reasonably 
regarded. 



48 

Now, the origin of this people as set forth in their 
Magna Charta (truly a great historical production), 
and omitting the myth and traditions by which it is 
surrounded and enveloped, and which if given here 
would only serve to befog and perplex, is as follows : 

When, after the conquest of Troy, the Greeks 
separated to return home, Omachus or Omakus, for 
there is a difference as to the spelling of the name as 
well as to its pronunciation, calling some few of his 
most trusted followers about him, informed them 
that he was possessed of a great secret ; or to speak 
more specifically, that Minerva had promised that 
he should be the head of a great people in a glorious 
country, the very abode of wisdom, and each and 
every one that followed him would be richly re- 
warded. In this manner, exciting their credulity, 
arousing their avarice and inflaming their cupidity, 
by fair speech and tempting offers he readily per- 
suaded them forthwith to follow him. 

Taking ship, after having widely proclaimed 
their intended destination and extending a free invi- 
tation to all the Greek world to accompany them, 
they finally arrived, after a long but uneventful 
journey, at the haven of their hopes, this beautiful 
isle of the sea. 

Landing upon the shore Omachus, standing upon 
a little eminence, thus addressed his faithful fol- 
lowers and companions : 

* ' Friends and fellow-citizens : We have at last 
happily concluded our voyage. Here, then, will be 
found a great commonwealth, the like of which the 



49 

world has never seen. Do you not feel already the 
spell of this place ? As Minerva hath said, we will 
have but to imagine that we know and possess all 
worldly wisdom, and lo, it is ours. A great gift 
this will indeed prove, for all the world must resort 
hither. 

However, Alyon, one of the bravest and most for- 
ward, exclaimed against this. " Would you," said 
he to Omachus, ''have all the world participate in 
our reward, in our good fortune ? Of what use then 
is learning. We who have toiled hither together 
will take possession. I appeal to the people." A 
gesture of approval here characterized the assembly, 
which unmistakably proved that the speaker ex- 
pressed but the wish and desire of all to hold an ex- 
clusive property as against all comers. 

Omachus, when Alyon had finished, bowing ob- 
sequiously and humbly to the multitude, acknowl- 
edged that his brave follower, Alyon, had spoken 
justly and indeed reasonably. He reminded them 
however that they were but few. "While," said 
he, "I agree that it will be well to confirm and to 
confine the privileges and powers Minerva hath 
granted as much as possible to ourselves, yet I think 
it would be well to admit into our number some few 
of the strangers that will apply. Recollect that al- 
though established and privileged highly, yet, as 
the Mystic Few, we must maintain that gracious 
and generous demeanor that characterizes true dig- 
nity, for so hath Minerva strangely yet imperatively 
commanded." 



50 

This saying appeased the multitude, and it was 
forthwith enacted and agreed that inasmuch as that 
they and their children should thenceforth, accord- 
ing to Minerva, possess all worldly wisdom, they 
could and might when expedient admit into their 
number whomsoever they pleased. And so origi- 
nated the Mystic Few. 

Of course degrees or orders among this people 
were at first unknown, since no one presumed to be 
wiser than his fellow. But, as after the lapse of 
centuries degrees began to be awarded in the col- 
leges and universities of other countries and nations, 
it was concluded that they should have the same. 
So doctors, lawyers, professional politicians, botan- 
ists, etc., grew both numerous and common. 

Nor were these merely empty titles, to be borne 
by the idle and indolent. " Meaningless terms ?" 
No, indeed. To show how they had prospered on 
the road to wisdom since the time of Omachus and 
his chosen few, many proofs might be given had we 
the space. To understand them intelligently you 
would, besides, have to comprehend a great deal 
more than you do now. Oh, what theories were 
propounded. 

How delicately, for instance, would the doctors 
insist ' ' that a bad heart could by a certain mechan- 
ical, medicinal and surgical operation be replaced 
by a good one without any serious inconvenience to 
the digestive organs." The lawyers, " that half a 
lie was the whole truth," and the professional poll- 



51 

tician, "that Mammon ruled the government and 
was therefore above all law." One honest farmer, 
an enthusiastic botanist, usually spent half the day- 
looking for grain at the bottom of his wheat stalks, 
and for potatoes on the top of a certain tree. Thus 
one can imagine, readily, their happiness, bliss and 
flourishing prosperity. 

One strange custom founded, upon their admis- 
sion of strangers to fellowship, was, that when ar- 
rived in the Republic of the Mystic Few, the great 
republic of letters and renown, any stranger desirous 
of becoming a member of the community and ambi- 
tious of achieving distinction and high honor, he 
was required to appear before a select committee 
with a certificate of his rank, birth, fortune, lineage, 
usual state of mind and specified place of probable 
or intended death. This being frequently a very 
bulky document, was ordinarily rolled in windlass 
fashion, and set up before them. If this proved sat- 
isfactory, and then could be bound sufficiently with 
red tape to prevent its bursting open into space, he 
was then put through the formal examination. 

The questions put to the candidate were original 
and often quite simple, but always couched m such 
language that two or three answers might invariably 
be returned. Whether this resulted usually from a 
desire for an horticultural display of dictionary mon- 
strosities it is impossible to say. However, to re- 
turn from this digression, if the applicant returned 
the answer looked for his was a happy case ; but if 



52 

not, should he become excitedly nervous and give 
the answer not expected, though equally correct, 
failure and opprobrium were his. A slave only did 
he become to the wise and virtuous Mystic Few. It 
was really as you will no doubt perceive a conun- 
drum examination. 

It is recorded that once on a time, and with this 
event be it known the disintegration of the commu- 
nity which took place soon after is closely con- 
nected, a simple countryman, a stranger, anxious to 
acquire a reputation for sagacity, came among them, 
who set to work immediately (an exception to the 
rule) to study the habits of life and language of the 
people both bond and free. 

Eventually finding, however, that the foundation 
of their so-called superiority must necessarily be 
pure common sense, disguised though, it might be, 
by stately affectation or dignified stupidity, he ap- 
plied himself diligently to combine with common 
sense a language that would in addition mystify and 
perplex, feeling sure that by using words and antics 
of uncertain import he could pass the citizenship 
examination. From all this we will and must nat- 
urally infer that Omachus and pure Greek had long 
since passed away. For, why a new people and not 
a new language ? 

At last the great day arrived, when, having pre- 
sented his credentials, he is ushered in before the 
select Board of Examiners, accredited representa- 
tives of their fathers. 



53 

There was present, among others, Pomponious or 
Pomposity as he was sometimes called, the chair- 
man ; fat, corpulent, jovial, but deep and deceitful 
withal. Musicale, the secretary, a tall, thin man, 
with a head too small for the learning it was said to 
possess ; nevertheless he was what one might prop- 
erly call the second fiddle of the concern. And, 
lastly, Aristocraticus, the general assistant, whose 
great achievement had evidently resulted in the 
growth of a luxuriant moustache. 

The first few questions rather puzzled Sanctotus, 
for that was the name our worthy countryman went 
by among the people, but he contrived to answer 
them after the usual manner. 

And now happened a strange thing, for he unwit- 
tingly made use of several expressions which puz- 
zled the Board. Surely the Board had not been 
confounded. ** Sanctotus, tell us," said old Pom- 
posity, the chairman, '* how you acquired so much 
knowledge." 

To the surprise of all Sanctotus replied that he 
had acquired it in part from the ordinary people or 
slaves ; and in part fi*om the unabridged dictionary, 
and that he had well studied their every day habits. 

"Sanctotus," said the chairman, **thou hast 
done a shameful thing, in that thou hast listened to 
laymen, to slaves, and not listened unto us nor 
sought to learn our precepts. To slaves, practical 
plagues, with too sensible theories, tho u hast 
hearkened. Well, then, we do not admit you to our 



54 

privileges. You may rank yourself with that class, 
whose company you prefer. Henceforth you may 
consider yourself a slave." 

" Hold," said Sanctotus, ** enough. I had often 
heard of your people, and glowing accounts having 
reached me in my own country, I came'up hither to 
verify them. But, know," and here he threw off 
the long cloak that enveloped him, " that in me you 
behold a lineal descendant of the Great Ulysses, 
whom Minerva also has sent to say, * that unless 
you throw open your gates to all the world and re- 
ceive knowledge from those whom she has chosen, 
will utterly destroy you.' The Mystic Few your 
fathers were indeed, for they protected the lamp of 
knowledge from destruction ; and in their age an 
exclusive appropriation had some excuse, but the 
privilege of enduring wisdom I never conferred upon 
those who would withhold its benefits from others. 
Down go your walls ere yet the Romans come, to see 
such weakness and folly, as I find here among you 
Greeks." 

And so was the identity of a great people lost, for 
needless to state they abandoned their policy and a 
great many the neighborhood to escape the wrath 
denounced upon them. The threatened punishment 
led to an almost deserted island. 

One of the monuments testifying to former 
grandeur and prosperity, strangely enough, bears 
this piece of advice : 



55 

" Beware that you infer not, because Fortune has 
favored you and yours once ; that she therefore in- 
tends all things for you to the absolute exclusion of 
all others. For so arises arrogance, selfish pre- 
sumption and pride. 

Omachus truly observed a wrong, though popular 
tendency. Did Omachus frame and leave the fore- 
going inefFacably cut in stone? Alas, who knows ? 



CHANG:I^S ; OR, AN ISXPl^RIENCB. 

* ' Cold weather ; look out, ' ' and Harry Delamere 
laughingly jostled an acquaintance and hurried on, 
making light of the snow-ball which flew narrowly 
by and which his friend's hand had moulded and 
thrown after him. 

And here it may perhaps be necessary to mention 
that the above scene occurred in one of the largest 
manufacturing and mercantile centres of the West- 
ern World, a city noted for its size and extent and 
whose industries give employment and sustenance to 
a large population. 

At the time of which we now write an unusually 
severe and bitter winter had set in. January, 1887, 
had closed the river to navigation, much to the sat- 
isfaction of those pleasure seekers who find amuse- 
ment in skating, sledding, sleighing and the like. 
But, alas, a heavy fall of snow now bid fair to spoil 
the fun for the present altogether. Down it came, 



56 

flake by flake, flurry after flurry, until streets, high- 
ways, lanes, houses, trees and everything is covered 
with the soft, white down. 

Harry Delamere, the hero of our tale, to whom we 
have already introduced the reader, had just entered 
upon his nineteenth year. He was of a rather fair 
complexion, with features strongly marked ; eyes 
prominent, keen and piercing ; mouth straight and 
firm, the whole denoting one of stern purpose, in- 
flexible will, indomitable courage and perseverance. 
Strong, hale and hearty he seemed to be. In the 
sports of youth he had equaled or perhaps distanced 
his companions, and yet, as sometimes happens, in- 
congruous though it may appear, he was constitu- 
tionally delicate. 

At the age of eighteen Harry Delamere had grad- 
uated, amid the plaudits of friends and to his par- 
ents' gratification, from a city college of note and 
prominence with high honors. 

His father, an honest, sober, industrious me- 
chanic, advised him thereupon to cast about for 
some employment suited to his inclination and 
ability. This he proceeded to do, but alas, few such 
positions offered, and with respect to these, invari- 
ably, was he disappointed. Now, almost despairing 
of success in his endeavors to obtain something 
suited to his attainments, Harry was on his way to 
a celebrated architect's office, with a letter of recom- 
mendation, from one for whom he had at one time 
acted in a small business way and who was therefore 



57 

conversant with his abilities- — 328 W street. 

** Ah, here we are," said Harry, as he glanced at 
the number over the door and then at the card in 
his hand and found all to be correct. 

Entering, he passed several offices until he reached 
the one he was in search of. Hall & Schnapp read 
the sign over the door. "Is Mr. Hall in?" in- 
quired our hero, opening the door and addressing a 
sharp featured man who sat in one corner. 

"Yes," said a rather sharp voice, " but busily 
engaged at present. If you have any business to 
transact, I am his partner, Mr. Schnapp." 

Now, had he been observant, Harry should have 
said : " No, thank you, I will call again," and then 
have visited the office when Mr. Hall was unoccu- 
pied, but taking Mr. Schnapp at his word, Harry 
gave him his letter of recommendation to read and 
specified his errand. 

" This appears to be all right," vouchsafed Mr. 
Schnapp, glancing over it. "Now, as to actual 
experience?" 

"Well, as to that, I am afraid I can hardly sat- 
isfy you," said Harry ; " but still I am bright and 

learn quickly, besides I am a graduate of H 

College." 

'* I am sorry, young man, but really you will not 
suit us ; we want a man of experience." 

" Well, no harm done, I hope," said Harry. 

"Good day," said Mr. Schnapp, and the door 
closed. 



58 

Try again, thought Harry, as he ruefully contem- 
plated his prospects. "Good morning," he ob- 
served, saluting a gentleman with whom he was 
slightly acquainted. 

"Good morning," said a voice that indicated 
little or no recognition, and somewhat disappointed 
he stood alone and downcast upon the sidewalk of 
a public square. Suddenly there flashed across his 
mind the recollection of a place he had omitted to 

visit, 128 T street. "Why, let's see, that is not 

very far." 

Finding the place the name caught his eye, Israel 
& Co. "A Jew, I'll wager, now for it." Opening 
the door boldly, he walked up to the firm's private 
office, and waiting a suitable opportunity, an- 
nounced himself. 

" Aw, be sheated," said a quick, impatient voice 
from behind a large desk ; "I vill be retty shoon." 

Harry seated himself as directed, and then, as 
there was nothing else to do, endeavored to compre- 
hend the nature of the scene around him. Men were 
busily engaged calling off goods and stacking them 
upon long counters, while porters and draymen hur- 
ried to and fro. Now and then, above the din in 
the front part of the establishment, could be heard 
the noise and clatter of ponderous machinery. 

Harry, to whom all this was to a certain extent 
novel, marvelled that amidst all this confusion the 
book-keepers in the office remained so unruffled and 
unconcerned . But further study of his surroundings 



59 

he now saw must be discontinued. ** Oond vot kon 
you do?" asked Mr. Israel, coming forward at last. 

* ' I guess almost anything my position would re- 
quire," answered Harry, promptly. 

'* Goot, sehr, goot, dot bleases me. Kon you do 
book-geebing ?" obser\^ed Mr. Israel, and he ran 
over his requirements. Harry answered generally 
in the affirmative, and finally to his surprise Mr. 
Israel said * * he was satisfied and would try him for 
a week." Rejoiced at heart with his success, if 
such it could be called, Harry, bidding him good 
day, set out for home. 

CHAPTER II. 

The first week is almost over, and Harry, con- 
scious that all has gone well, his face beaming with 
a cheerful glow, is standing at his desk. 

But, hark ; *' Delamere," a voice calls, it is that 
of Mr. Israel. Harry hastens to see what is wanted, 
to what an extent is good work unappreciated. 
" Delamere, I vill wandt you no longer afsher this 
week, a son of my frendt wansh te position. Shorry 
to trouble you.*' 

Harry stood at first aghast and stupefied, and 
then with a muttered exclamation of anger and dis- 
gust returned to his books, which he speedily 
straightened out, resolved at all events to trust a Jew 
no more. 

Weeks and months fly by, years come and go, and 
Harry has been compelled to occupy himself as a 
porter in a large wholesale jobbing house : forgot- 



6o 

ten are most of his past studies, lost all of his gay 
spirits, the cold shoulder and continued ill success 
having made him morose. 

It was dinner hour and Harry sat on a bale read- 
ing a newspaper account of a suit that had well 
nigh swamped the noted architects. Hall & Schnapp, 
and would result at all events in a dissolution. The 
action was caused by Mr. Schnapp 's undertaking a 
contract to build and then failing to comply with 
certain specifications as to material. So thought 
Harry, that is the experience plan. Just then an 
advertisement crossed his eye : Wanted — In a law 
office, a clerk ; compensation small, but excellent 
opportunity for a student. Address X, 20, P. O. 
" I'll answer that, anything but this," exclaimed 
Harry, so going into the office he answered the ad- 
vertisement, and soon after dropped it in the box. 

Three days after this he received from Lawyer 
Sharegood a note in which he stated that he was 
well pleased with the answer and that he would like 
the writer to call upon him. But, why should I 
so clearly narrate these particulars ? Sufficient it is 
to say that Harry visited Mr. Sharegood and was 
kindly received by that gentleman, who, in addition 
to the small compensation for his services, promised 
also to give him the benefit of a thorough instruction 
in the principles of law. 

And now our hero is amid scenes more congenial, 
and although receiving but a mere pittance, he has 
regained his wanted spirits. We will pass over the 



6i 

uneventful incidents of a year or so full of hard 
study and laborious work. Harry is looking for- 
ward to an early admission to the Bar. Mr. Share- 
good both thinks and speaks highly of him ; * * he is 
so quiet and steady," he frequently remarks to his 
clients, ** and seems so thoughtful of late." 

Bright prospects seem to await him ; indeed, his 
preceptor is interested in him. 

It is ten o'clock in the morning, a bright fire burns 
in the grate, and Harry is busily occupied in writing 
out and engrossing a deed. ** Well, Harry, that fire 
looks cheerful.'' "Good morning, sir," in reply, 
as a tall, thin gentleman, with a wrinkled face but 
pleasant features, entered the room, rubbing his hands. 

'* Do you know, my boy, we have won our case 
against old Jacob Israel. The Court holds that, al- 
though he had apparently acted in good faith, yet he 
was culpably negligent and very foolish in signing 
a land contract in behalf of a company unorganized 
and whose members were not all bound down to it. ' ' 

"So, then, Jacob Israel is held personally respon- 
sible for the whole sum, the contract price, and Mrs. 
Silberman will secure a judgment," remarked 
Harry,' calmly, but with some interest. 

Truly the artful, scheming, heartless policy of old 
Israel was now about to receive its just deserts. 

Harry's nature was not vindictive, yet he could 
not help thinking that each mean or despicable act 
we do seems destined to meet with retributive pun- 
ishment. 



62 

" Mr. Sharegood," said Harry, when that gentle- 
man, for such it was, had seated himself, '* will not 
the heavy verdict obtained cripple the business ?' ' 

" I think it very likely ; besides, he is now hav- 
ing trouble with his working people, whom he rates 
not by their ability, as I have heard, but by their 
cheapness. So, thought our hero, as he retired to 
the outer room, where his desk was located, it is 
indeed the case that he who maketh haste to be rich 
has no scruple about oppressing his neighbor. 

*' Harry!" 

It was a voice of alarm that now called him to 
come quickly into the inner office. He hastened 
anxiously forward. Oh, how soon turns the tide on 
the tempestuous sea of life. Mr. Sharegood, in a fit, 
had slid from his chair to the floor, while a deadly 
pallor overspread his countenance. 

*' Harry," a weak voice murmured almost inau- 
dibly, **I feel that I am going. My old heart 
trouble has returned. Send for a carriage quickly 
and call Dr. Harshaw. My brother lives at John's 
Place, No. 444. 

Harry needed no second command ; he tele- 
graphed for a cab, and then hurried to the residence 
of the doctor, which happily was not far off. 

Returning, he went immediately to the sofa, on 
which he had placed the sick man ; only, alas, to 
find him far beyond the reach of earthly succor, face 
upward, dead. And so his benefactor had gone. 
Harry had only too recently stood silently, solemnly 



63 

by, while his parents, the one followed shortly by 
the other, passed quietly away and were laid to rest 
in the silent tomb. His own home having been 
thus broken up, this was by no means his first view 
of death. 

Well and deeply did he sympathize with that 
brother whom the dead man had frequently referred 
to as being the only family tie he possessed. 

The doctor now appeared, one glance told him 
all. Silently he shook Harry's hand. ''Death 
comes quickly, happy is he that is prepared," he 
whispered, and then in a grave voice told him to 
stay in the offices while he should telegraph the 
brother. The door just then opening disclosed the 
brother. He was already there. So does an ac- 
countable impulse of our nature seem to carry us at 
times right where we are needed most. He had called 
to see his brother in relation to some business trans- 
action in which both were interested. 

Now, as he bent low over the prostrate form that 
would counsel him no more, he was evidently deeply 
moved. Harry, touched by his anguish, went for- 
ward and took his hand. Expressing at the same 
time his sympathy, he asked if he could be of any 
further use. 

Receiving a negative reply, and not caring to in- 
trude, he withdrew to the outer office, followed 
almost immediately by the doctor, who had already 
narrated all the circumstances to the grief stricken 
man. 



64 

"Ah, this is a sad scene, he seems to feel it 
sorely," said Doctor Harshaw. "And now, my 
man, you will remain about for two or three weeks, 
or until everything is finally settled, will you not ? 
There is no one but you can give an intelligent 
account of the deceased's affairs." 

" That I certainly will," Harry responded, and 
then as the doctor's farewell lingered in his ears a 
sense of his now forlorn condition or situation came 
over him. 

Adrift again. Once more a wanderer, without 
means, without friends. It was hard that this should 
be his case, he for whom such hopes had once been 
entertained. Law, he had frequently felt of late, 
was a profession for which his free, honest, open 
nature was not adapted. How much more so, now 
that he to whom he had looked for guidance was no 
more. Anything that approached chicanery or con- 
cealment had no charm for him. But, what would 
he do ? 

Endure more disappointments, from futile efforts 
to secure employment in the line of his inclination 
and ability ? No. He had resolved, vehemently, 
sometime since, that thenceforth, if possible, no one 
should have the opportunity to turn him away with 
an exasperating or sinister sneer, with highly moral 
advice and contradictory conduct. 

Musing, day after day, upon the future, until 
Lawyer Sharegood's affairs were settled up and 
concluded, he gradually grew despondent. Life 



65 

itself seemed to have little attraction. Of late it had 
been a stern fight with poverty. Would it not be 
well to migrate ? A change of neighborhood and 
circumstances, he reasoned, might do him good. 

And ere long, perhaps, before he was well aware 
of it, Harry Delamere had entered upon what prom- 
ised to be a life of peril and adventure. If leaving 
college was an important step in his career, this was 
even more so. 

CHAPTER III. 

In a little fort in the far West a company of 
United States Infantry are drawn up for inspection. 
Determined, steady-looking men are they, veterans 
some of them who have seen long, rough service ^ 
An Indian outbreak is feared, indeed a war party 
has been frequently descried hovering in the neigh- 
borhood, and they have been ordered here to restore 
confidence and to protect the settlers. As they 
march out of the fortress, with even step and stately 
poise, we recognize a familiar form; it is that of 
Harry Delamere, and he is on his first Indian cam- 
paign. 

Entering the Army with the fixed intention of 
doing his duty faithfully and well, he has already 
secured honorable mention from his superior officers ; 
and, though hardly a year in service, he is already 
a corporal. His health, too, and his spirits, have 
wonderfully improved, for he has now something to 
look forward to — a bright future, for which he is 



66 

saving a portion of his income. Moreover, in two 
or three families he is ever welcome on account of 
his pleasing frankness and candor, as well as the 
high purpose which characterizes his life. For, 
relying on Divine aid, by which he has often been 
strengthened and supported amidst trying circum- 
stances, his continued aim and endeavor is to live a 
true Christian life. He has experienced peace, and 
although storms may come, he feels now that he 
can, relying on the strength that comes from above, 
breast them all. Nor does he despair as regards his 
earthly prospects or feel disposed to murmur at his 
hard lot. He has learned to believe and trust that 
Providence will yet establish his way, so that he 
may yet live in security and comfort, contented in 
spirit. 

On entering the Army, Harry Delamere had met 
men more scarred by life's struggle than himself. 
A close bond of sympathy drew him towards some 
of these, and in caring for others he had gradually 
forgotten his own ills. 

But let us more properly proceed with the inci- 
dents which directly appertain to the present narra- 
tive. 

The little company of soldiers, after a long and 
wearisome march, approach a dark ravine. 

Hardly have they reached an overhanging rock 
which juts out into the roadway before there is a 
sharp rifle report, followed closely by a volley from 
the surrounding banks, trees and bushes. They had 



67 

evidently marched directly into the midst of an 
Indian encampment, for right beyond, situated 
snugly in a clump of trees and but barely visible to 
the eye, the tops of their wigwams could be seen. 
They had, however, taken the enemy unawares, for 
the military charging them with the bayonet they 
withdrew, the greater number mounting their swift 
little horses which had been tethered near by, and 
thus escaping. 

However, some few of the most noted chiefs were 
taken and the encampment itself environed and de- 
stroyed, its occupants being first made prisoners. 
Strange to say, this was all accomplished with but 
trifling loss — two men killed and eight wounded. 
Such was the report submitted to the commandant 
when the little company drew up again at the gates 
of the stockade. 

One of the wounded, however, was Harry Dela- 
mere, who in saving one of the wounded, a young 
lieutenant, from the scalping knife, had been 
slightly wounded in the arm himself by a slash from 
that weapon. It was rather a severe cut, though 
by no means a dangerous one ; yet officers and men 
alike commended his gallantry and praised his 
courage. 

He had hardly been out of the sick-list a week 
on regular duty before promotion arrived, and he 
was made sergeant. But this was by no means 
the only outcome of the event which we have noted 
as so lately transpiring, for a firm and lasting friend- 



68 

ship grew up between the man he had saved — 
Lieutenant Wolff — and himself. With that young 
man's friends and family, when stopping at the 
fort, he had always been welcome ; how much more 
so, now that he had in the first engagement so 
honorably distinguished himself. There was in 
time, however, another tie added to more closely 
cement the friendship thus auspiciously begun. 

Harry Delamere had on one occasion, at a post 
where he was for a while stationed, made the 
acquaintance of a Miss Florence Wolff, a sister of 
the lieutenant, and her quiet, reserved manner, 
and polished, lively speech, had at once attracted 
him towards her. She was now at the fort, visit- 
ing the wife of its commandant, once her insepar- 
able companion and trusted adviser. Was it 
singular that, as the days went by, she learned 
to appreciate the character of the young sergeant, 
and to feel flattered by his devoted attentions. 
Yes, love soon ruled the hour, and a soldier's life 
was irksome to Harry only on account of the 
separation from his beloved which it necessarily 
enforced. 

When the day of parting came, as come it shortly 
did, and the young lady bade adieu to her friends in 
the garrison, her brother, who had marked with 
pleasure the course of their attachment, rejoiced 
greatly when he observed that they parted as 
plighted lovers, and not merely as staunch friends. 

A brief sketch of Lieutenant Wolff might well, 



69 

perhaps, be given here. He was a young man, 
twenty-six years of age or thereabouts, of medium 
height, but of fine athletic figure and prepossessing 
manners. Born of wealthy parents, he had imbibed 
nevertheless an ambition that carried him ever 
onward in spite of all obstacles. On graduating 
from West Point, he had resolved that rather than 
yield to a life of inglorious ease and voluptuous 
pleasure, he would seek fame and distinction in the 
army. Such was Harry Delamere's confidant and 
friend. One circumstance this person felt sure of, 
and that was that our hero did not like the army — 
did not relish the life into which by untoward 
fortune he had been driven. That, in fact, he was 
at that very moment planning to enter again the 
busy arena of mercantile life. Whatever his 
definite projects were, the lieutenant resolved that 
they should have his aid and encouragement. 

Let us now glide over some five or six years. 
Walking up an avenue of the large manufacturing 
centre to which we have already alluded at the 
opening of our story, we finally come across the 
sign, " H. Delamere & Co., Merchants." Can 
it be? 

Yes ; Harry Delamere has left the army and has 
once more, but in a different manner, launched out 
on the great ocean of mercantile city life. This 
time, however, it is as the successful jobber or mer- 
chant. His own savings, augmented by capital 
supplied by his friend and invested economically 



and intelligently, have given him a prosperous 
start in the business world. He is making large 
profits, and his able financeering seems destined, 
together with an upright, generous mind, to lead 
him on to fortune, honor and respectability. 

It is rumored, and on good authority, too, that 
Harry Delamere, or Lieutenant Delamere, for such 
was his rank when the enlistment ended, is shortly 
to be married to a charming and graceful young 
lady of Washington, sister of Captain Wolflf of the 
United States Infantry. 

But let us not forestall their happiness, but leave 
them with hearts overflowing in gratitude to 
Providence for their prospective bliss. 

Harry Delamere, we may be sure, will often 
ponder on the many and diverse changes in the 
current of his existence. Often, too, will he reflect 
upon the various incidents of his checkered career, 
and upon how a mysterious Providence protected 
and shielded him from the dangers which beset his 
pathway, carrying him almost unscathed through 
them all. 



71 



THB YOUNGSTERS' CRUISB: A SEA YARN. 

"Well, boys! what do you think of this?" 
So spake Dick Rogers, holding at the same time 
within close view an old and well-thumbed nautical 
map, on which was depicted various lines, parallels 
of latitude and longitude, crossing one another and 
passing through little groups of islands situated in 
what was evidently the South Pacific ocean. 

"What do I think of it ? " said Charley Dalton, 
the first and foremost of the boys to whom these 
remarks seemed chiefly directed. * ' Really, I cannot 
say until you see fit to favor us with some explana- 
tion ; but to my unsophisticated vision, should you 
desire to know what it looks like, I would say it 
appears to be a marine chart, and a tolerably well- 
executed one, too." 

At this his two other companions, raising them- 
selves on elbow from the soft, mossy bank where 
they had just the moment before thrown themselves, 
gazed first at the parchment, and then, rather more 
quizically, at its owner. 

" Indeed, Dick," at length spake Jack Barlow, 
one of the two latter, * ' it seems evidently the very 
article Charley has just mentioned, but please pro- 
ceed with the explanation." 

** Yes, by all means, illustrate and explain ; for 
from your look of disdain I can well discern there is 
something of more moment not touched upon yet ! ' ' 



72 

exclaimed also Frank Hilyard, the fourth and last 
of the little group, as thoroughly aroused and inter- 
ested he arose from his recumbent position and sat 
upright. 

They were strong, healthy, manly lads, these 
young fellows, to whom a life by the sea, in the 
little New England fishing village, had given health, 
hardihood, courage and spirit. Two of the '' boys," 
as we may call them, and to whom as such we will 
frequently refer in the course of this narrative — 
Jack Barlow and Frank Hilyard — were strong, 
strapping, sturdy fellows, whom constant exposure 
to wind, wave and weather had hardened and 
roughened. Often had they ridden before the gale 
in their fathers' fishing smacks, or now and then, as 
they were close friends, gone out together in a little 
dory to examine their trails, or else visit the many 
little nooks along the coast that contained points of 
special interest for both. 

Being both willing, honest, easy-going, steady 
lads, it was hardly singular that these traits should 
have gained for them the warm friendship of Charley 
Dal ton, somewhat similarly inclined, and of Dick 
Rogers, one of the brightest and most restive spirits 
in the village. 

Charley Dalton, though reared in the lap of luxury 
and refinement, had not been spoilt. He was 
hardy and robust, and although, unlike the others 
around him, he was not much of a seaman, yet he 
was frequently regarded as such by the little com- 



73 

munity, on account of the fine large two-masted 
schooner yacht that was ever at his command ; for 
his parents being quite wealthy, his father a retired 
merchant and a man of some consequence, had a 
few years before this purchased the vessel for his 
own as well as his son's gratification. 

Not knowing anything about sailing himself, he 
nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed a sail, and for this 
purpose kept an old salt, an experienced skipper, 
constantly employed in the vessel's management. 

For this reason, we may well believe, Charley 
Dalton was heartily envied by his acquaintances, 
who looked upon him, indeed, as a being extra- 
ordinary, and more especially so when, in blue 
yachting costume, he seemed preparing for a long 
cruise. 

Dick Rogers, whose remarks head this chapter, 
was the son of a deceased naval ofiicer, who, during 
the Civil War, had greatly distinguished himself by 
his bold daring and intrepid courage. 

Dick inherited, in great measure, his father's 
spirit. Fertile in resources and expedients, quick 
in execution and in action, good-natured and lively 
generally, he was deservedly popular among his 
associates. 

Now, as he held the chart exposed for his friends' 
inspection, he was clearly not well pleased with the 
light reception his remarks had received, for if 
there was one characteristic of his nature more prom- 
inent than another, it was his earnestness when 



74 

once interested in any subject — when once aroused 
by anything promising an outlet for his active, 
energetic disposition. Rolling up the chart, he 
pretended now to be much affronted. 

'' Well," he declared, " if you are going to treat 
one in this cool, analytical fashion, I will go about 
my business. On second thought, however, he 
continued, his usual sunny disposition returning, 
" I think for the benefit of my friend Frank here, 
and, perhaps (in a doubtful tone), for the rest of the 
crowd, I might as well explain. 

" You see, boys," he continued, not pausing for 
further comment, ** my father, as you know, in the 
course of his eventful life, met with many remark- 
able and strange experiences. Well, then, with 
one of these my story is directly and immediately 
connected. 

" On one of the last voyages he ever undertook, 
and while in mid-ocean, he noticed one day, at a 
little distance from his ship, a little boat or yawl. 
Observing something unusual about the craft, he 
ordered out his gig and soon had the boat alongside. 
In it, strange to say, was a man in rough, sailor 
dress, very weak and quite exhausted. However, 
my father had him carried up the side and taken to 
his cabin, where, you may well believe, he was ten- 
derly cared for, everything that human aid could do 
for one so situated being done for this stranger. 

" For a while he improved, and when conversing 
with my father, often would he express his deep 
sense of the obligation he lay under to him. 



75 

*' One thing about him was singular, and naturally 
enough puzzled my father. He could never be per- 
suaded to reveal his identity, or to say one word as 
to what had brought him into such a dangerous 
predicament. ' No,' he would say, when questioned 
on that subject, ' least said, soonest mended,' and 
with this all had to be content. 

" The third week after the occurrence, however, 
it was observed that he was visibly sinking, grad- 
ually becoming weaker and weaker. Nor was he 
himself ignorant of this change for the worse in his 
condition, sometimes appearing quite despondent, 
at other times serious, but happy. His system had 
evidently been too deeply shattered to hold out any 
hope of a recovery. 

*' At length, towards the end of the fourth week, 
he sent for my father, to whom on his appearance 
he gave this chart and related the following : 

" 'I know,' said he, 'that my time has come, 
since the doctor's skill avails not. In considera- 
tion of what you have done for me, and the kind- 
ness you have shown to an unworthy being, I 
desire, if possible, to show my appreciation of your 
generous treatment. 

'* 'This parchment may, at some time or other, 
return you some slight reward for your trouble. It 
is a map of the South Pacific, and right in that little 
cove, on the north side of the little island there 
marked with a red dart, lies much treasure. A 
vessel laden with a heavy chest of bullion was sunk 



76 

right in there at one time, and certain parts of that 
vessel may now be seen from the shore, for I have 
visited the spot lately and taken observations. 
But one other person knows of the spot — a Malay 
pirate, who by this time has probably ended his 
career, or at all events, must soon do so. Take the 
chart, and following the directions given, and those 
which I have laid down in the margin, you may 
recover this treasure.' 

" Wearied with this discourse, as my father once 
said, in narrating it, he sank back on the pillow, 
apparently too exhausted for further utterance. My 
father, taking the map and placing it with some 
other papers, wrung the sailor's hand and retired. 
Next morning, to his surprise, the man was dead. 

** This parchment, the identical one which I hold 
here, and which my father so received, he frequently 
referred to, but never from the day he laid it away 
could it be found. Yesterday, looking over some 
of his old documents, I came across it, doubled up 
inside of one of them. 

**This, then, is my story, and as the Dervish 
would say, I must stop now to see how it is received 
and whether you discern its meaning and object. 
Come now, boys, I have plans of my own ; but let 
me hear your suggestions." 

* * You feel certain of the existence of this treas- 
ure?" interrogated Frank. 

''Yes!" 



77 

* * You do not believe that any reason exists to 
doubt the sailor's story ?" inquired Jack. 

** No. Any man in his condition would have 
naturally told the truth. Why should he have 
spoken otherwise ? What was there to be gained by 
his so doing? No, I feel certain the treasure is 
there." 

"Well, that being the case," responded Jack and 
Frank almost together, " let's hunt it up. There's 
the dory and here, too, is our brawny arms." 

"Very good, very good, as far as it goes," re- 
plied Dick. "Your oiOfer is very acceptable one 
way, but unfortunately it will require something 
more than a dory. This is an expedition that will 
require in the first place a large stock of provisions 
and, in the second place, machinery enough to 
accomplish our object — tools, grappling irons, 
spades, ropes, chains, windlasses, cables, etc. My 
idea is for all to go along in the Sightly. ' ' 

" Charley, we may count on your conveying us 
in your staunch yacht, may we not?" 

" Ah ! so, at last, I am to have an interest in the 
matter and am to be consulted, am I ?" 

" Certainly, my dear boy, she is at your service. 
Anything else ?" 

" Do you really mean it ?" the others responded, 
almost in a breath. 

" Why, assuredly I do," responded Charley Dal- 
ton, warmly. " One who has enjoyed your com- 
pany and confidence so long and happily as I have 



78 

might well, as I do, consider it a pleasure to be able 
to further your objects. I am quite ready to join 
you, and although we may find no treasure, we will 
very likely get much enjoyment out of this trip." 

"Well, that being so," said Dick, " let us not 
delay or defer the cruise a moment longer than is 
necessary. Let us not parley over the matter, but 
go about it at once. The yacht can be got ready in 
three or four days, so that we can set out immedi- 
^ately without further delay. What say you, 
'Charley?" 

'* I agree I will have her ready by 5 a. m. Thurs- 
day, if that suits. Put the question. Ready for the 
question, ayes or noes, gentlemen ?" 

''Aye! Aye! Aye! Aye!" 

" The ayes have it, then," concluded Dick. 

" Well, it is short notice, so I will hurry off and 
see if my father's smack is in yet," said Jack. 
* ' Frank and I will go out to-morrow and help with 
the nets and then heave ho, my lads." 

"Well, I have an errand to the next village, 
too," said Dick. " Come on, Charley." 

" No, I must set out for home ; thank you." 

* ' Well, good-bye, old fellow , good-bye all round, ' ' 
and the little company having exchanged the com- 
mon civilities of the day dispersed, its enthusiastic 
members taking different directions. 



79 



CHAPTER 11. 

It may, at first, seem rather surprising that these 
young men, whose ages ranged from nineteen to 
twenty-one, should talk so carelessly of what to them 
might mean a separation of many months from 
home and relatives. But such is the habit, which 
frequent and sometimes lengthy excursions, whether 
on land or water, foster and encourage. 

To the two young fishermen, therefore, who had 
already made two or three voyages before the mast, 
such an expedition meant nothing. Permission 
was readily obtained. 

Gruff old Jean Barlow shook his son's hand and 
commended his spirit. ** Go ! Jack," said he, 
" and bring home the treasure, if it is to be found. 
And as you desire, with the rest, that the matter 
shall be kept secret, no one shall learn anything 
from me ! ' ' 

In Charley Dalton's home, on the contrary, how- 
ever, the project was not so favorably received. 
First objections were made to taking the yacht 
away for so long a time as the cruise would involve ; 
secondly, his parents were incredulous on the sub- 
ject of the treasure, and fearful lest some accident 
might befall their only son. However, Charley 
so persistently craved permission, representing that 
he had already compromised himself, and seemed 



8o 

so disconcerted by the grounds taken against it, 
that permission was at last rehictantly given and 
the objections waived. 

One condition, however, was annexed, which was 
that the expedition should not cover a longer period 
than seven or eight months. As for reaching their 
destination, the old skipper, who always accom- 
panied the boys, and in time of danger took upon 
himself the duties of master, could well conduct 
them thither, as there was hardly any quarter of the 
globe which, at some period or another in his 
extensive career, he had not visited. 

Dick Rogers, whose guardian was inclined on all 
occasions to humor him, had no difficulty in obtain- 
ing the required permission for the contemplated 
cruise. Having been allowed to follow the bent of 
his own inclinations, such consent came almost as a 
matter of course. Quite bold and free, he with his 
comrades at once set about preparing for it. 

The yacht was overhauled and examined ; every- 
thing put to rights. The larder, fully stocked with 
provisions of all sorts and kinds, and various 
utensils and mechanical contrivances, assortments 
of ropes, chains, pulleys, etc., put aboard. Soon 
thoroughly equipped for a long voyage, the yacht 
lay ready to receive her crew ; nor had she long 
to wait. 

It is a beautiful May morning, giving every 
promise of fair and favorable weather. At her slip, 
prepared and ready for the cruise, the yacht, with 



8i 

her trim spars, clean deck and graceful outlines, 
presents in contrast with her surroundings a pleasing 
spectacle to the eye, as she sways to and fro on the 
tide, not far from the white, pebbly beach. 

The appointed hour having almost arrived. Skipper 
Norton walks up and down the deck, conversing 
with young Captain Dalton, as Charley was usually 
familiarly dubbed by the village when aboard his 
vessel. 

"Thursday, five o'clock, and not here yet, nor 
any sign of them either," Charley remarks, glancing 
at the watch which he holds in his hand. 

" Hold on a bit," says Job, '* not quite so fast, 
my hearty. See, here they come at last, Dick lead- 
ing the way." 

A few minutes more and the boys were within 
hailing distance, and rapidly approaching the vessel. 

"Hurrah for the Sightly!'' they shouted, as 
they drew near ; " and there's our captain and his 
first officer ! Three cheers ! ' ' 

Boarding the vessel, they dove down into their 
cabins, got rid of their bundles, and soon reappeared 
in rough sailor dress, prepared for the cruise. 

" All aboard ! Cast off the lines ! Pull in the 
cable ! " the young captain shouted, and soon they 
were adrift on the tide. 

' ' All ready ! Hoist the mainsail ! Let out th e 
jib ! " he continued. 

This was done, and as the yacht paid off lightly 
before the breeze a loud shout from the village folk 



82 

arose, followed by cheer after cheer as the little 
vessel ran out before the wind. 

Indeed, it seemed as if all were out to see them 
start. With the glass each could make out some 
familiar face on the shore. 

In some way or other the story had got abroad 
that the young mariners contemplated a longer 
voyage than usual. Notwithstanding the fact that 
several of the most inquisitive in the little commu- 
nity had sought by all the means in their power to 
discover the purpose of this voyage, they had never- 
theless signally failed. The only piece of reliable 
information they could gather was that the boys 
were bound to the Pacific. This, taken in connec- 
tion with the fact that their destination was a secret 
and the objects of their cruise generally unknown, 
only the more increased and incited their curiosity. 

** By the by," at length spoke Dick, ''let's give 
them a salute." 

'* All right," said Charley, and quickly a report 
from the little brass cannon in the bow reverberated 
across the water. 

** Now," said Charley, soon after this, when they 
were at last fairly under way, *' I intend to give up 
my position and to resign the command into Job 
Norton's hands. Dick and I, when necessary, will 
constitute the starboard and Jack and Frank the 
larboard watch." 

•'Don't you think, Captain Norton," he con- 
tinued, "that we may safely shake out all the 
sails?" 



83 

**Yes," Job replied, laconically, with a smile, 
* ' if you would make better time. ' ' 

*' All right then, the faster time the better. Come, 
boys, all of you, haul away on the lines," shouted 
Job, taking upon himself at once the vessel's man- 
agement. 

Heartily, they tugged the ropes, working away 
with a will, and in short order all the sails were 
shaken out and the light, staunch craft scudded 
before the breeze. 

Running along in this way for several hours Job, 
leaving the wheel to Jack Barlow, went below with 
Frank and Charley to look over some charts. 

"Jack, do you know, I think it looks very much 
like a storm coming over there," said Dick, who 
had remained on deck to assist his friend, pointing, 
as he spoke, to some light, fleecy clouds away in 
the distance. 

" I am of the same opinion as you, Dick ; I fear 
we will soon have a rouser, and that before another 
day is out we will have it upon us, too." 

Having thus expressed himself, and being quite 
well pleased to find that his companion's opinion 
should thus closely agree with his own, Dick now 
went forward. 

Shortly after Job appeared with the other two at 
the head of the gangway. 

"Boys," he cried, after having taken a hasty 
survey, "reef topsails! There, that will do," he 
continued, the boys having executed his orders ; 
* ' ere long, look out for squalls ! ' ' 



84 

Chatting over this communication and the proba- 
bilities of a gale, with their chances therein, and 
then over their prospects of finding the treasure, 
the long hours flew by unheeded. 

' * I would advise that one of each watch go down 
to mess, as it will be dusk in another two hours," 
the old salt now said, breaking in upon them after 
they had thus for some time conversed ; ' * we are 
already out about twelve hours, and it will never 
do to starve, you know." 

*' Why, Captain, I had no idea it was so late," 
said Dick. ** We ought soon to be off" the coast of 
' Ole Virginny,' at that rate." 

'* Yes, my boy," Job responded, as Dick turned 
to go below, " we have been making from twelve to 
fifteen knots an hour ; pretty good sailing, I think." 

When Dick and Jack again appeared on deck, 
darkness was fast settling over the deep. 

"Here, Dick, take the wheel!" called Job. 
"Jack, you are to keep a strict lookout, and if any- 
thing unusual occurs, to call me. Come, Charley," 
he continued, "we go below. Why, where 's 
Frank?" 

"Asleep, forward, sir." 

' ' Asleep ! Has he turned in already ? ' ' 

" Yes, Cap'n, but to tell the truth, he is most 
likely ill, for I do not recollect his ever having done 
the like before." 

" Well," I guess he can sleep as well there as 
down below," said the old skipper. 



85 

Promptly at midnight Job reappeared on deck. 

" Well, Jack, how goes it ? " he inquired, walk- 
ing forward. 

" Fairly well, sir, though a trifle misty." 

"All right, sir, you may turn in presently." 
Facing about, Job now walked back to where Dick 
was standing. 

"Here," said he, "you go down and awaken 
Charley ; let Frank sleep on, if he will ; it may do 
him good." 

Wearied somewhat from the work of the day, the 
young sailors quite willingly retired. 

"Do you know, I think Frank looks quite 
poorly," said Dick, when he had at last aroused 
Charley, "so, if possible, you had better not wake 
him when you go up on deck. Good-night, old 
fellow," he continued, crawling into his bunk, and 
getting a severe bump on the head as he did so, 
through the sudden lurching of the vessel. 

" My, that was a heavy swell ! Hope it hasn't 
cracked an unusually hard cranium," Charley 
vouchsafed. 

" Guess I had better go now ; plenty of work 
up above to-night," Charley continued, as he 
retired hastily. 

"All right ; sorry to have kept you here. Ta 
ta ! " said Dick, wearily. "I'm blessed if I shall 
sleep, however," he soliloquized, " if this bumping 
and thumping continues much longer." But Dick 
was alone. 



86 

Mounting the stairway, Charley soon stood beside 
Job Norton. 

"Here, Charley, I've been waiting for you," 
immediately observed the latter. " Take the wheel 
while I go forward. ' ' 

* * I must caution you to keep wide awake and 
always on the alert, for it is growing more and more 
misty," he continued, a moment later pausing on 
his way and turning half-way round. *' By the by, 
how are all our lights ? Are they all in proper 
position ? * ' 

" Yes, sir, I believe so ; Dick attended to that." 

Going on towards the bow, Job observed that 

Frank had just awakened. Enjoying the puzzled 

expression on his countenance, he fell to chaffing 

him. 

** Heigh, ho ! my fine able-bodied seaman, at 
what port did we ship you ? Oh, yes, I see, you're 
one of the crew. May I ask which watch are 
you in ? " 

** Hardly know myself! " 

"Perhaps it's the dream watch ? " suggested Job. 

' * Very likely ; one not down in the catalogue 
would just suit me, though if the truth must be 
told, I have been credited to the larboard watch." 

" Who has the deck ? " 

" Don't know. One thing, however, seems toler. 
ably certain," Frank here volunteered. 
' ' And what may that be ? " 



87 

"I am beginning to feel more like taking life 
easy than I used to do." 

** Well, just as you like," Job replied. 

'* No, not a moment longer, please you, if it is my 
watch," Frank exclaimed, springing at once to his 
feet. '* And from the look of things I now appre- 
hend it is," he continued. 

Walking a few steps towards the stern Frank dis^ 
covered who held the wheel. 

** Charley, my boy," he exclaimed, '' here I am 
at last. 

" Better late than never," Charley responded. 
Returning to the bow, Job requesting him to keep 
a sharp lookout, retired to look over his charts. 

Hardly had Job disappeared ere Frank observed 
the faint glimmer of lights almost directly ahead." 
" Port your helm," he cried, hastily. 
** Port it is," responded Charley. 

" All right," sang out Frank, immensely relieved, 
as a large, deeply laden steamer swept closely by, 
so closely, indeed, that Frank could readily, from 
where he stood, have tossed any light article aboard. 
Not a soul, however, could be seen on her deck, 
and soon, phantom -like, she was lost to view. 

* * Almost thought it was the Flyi7ig Dutchman , ' ' 
ejaculated Frank, half aloud, catching his breath. 

Job now came on deck, and walking aft told 
Charley to go forward and see whether Frank would 
take the wheel. 



88 

Hello, Frank ! Pretty close shave, that ! Good 
thing you were sufficiently awake to give me timely 
warning," exclaimed the latter as at Job's behest he 
now appeared at his friend's elbow. "Feel all 
right now, after your long nap ?" 

"All right, why I never felt better," Frank 
replied. 

" Yes, but you did look quite ill before it." 

" Well, I suppose, tending the nets before I set 

out must have tired me somewhat, but it's over 

now, old boy." 

" Do you feel like trying the wheel ?" 
* ' Why , yes ; certainly . ' ' 

" Well, Job will accommodate you aft. All right, 
then, I'm off. Keep a close lookout. Ta, ta." 

"Job," said Frank, as he took the wheel, " our 
watch is almost up, isn't it ?" 

" Yes, in another half hour, but we may need all 
hands soon, the breeze is freshening." 

Hold her a little more to the wind, Frank. 
There, that's enough. Now, I must examine my 
charts again. If I am not mistaken we are almost 
off the Old Dominion. 

A few minutes later Job returned, and scanning 
the dense black clouds that now hung out and sur- 
rounded the vessel, his face rapidly assumed an 
anxious, startled expression. 

" Frank, call all hands on deck, we must reef 
sails," he ordered, hastily. 



89 

" All hands on deck ! Reef sail !" shouted Frank 
down the gangway, at the same time kicking an 
empty tin can thence and throwing a heavy coil of 
rope upon the deck. 

Another moment and Dick and Jack sprang up the 
steps, taking two at a time. 

* ' What's wanted ?" they both exclaimed together. 
* ' Have we struck a rock ? Been hit by a thunder- 
bolt, or what ? That was a fearful racket." 

** Nothing but an old tin can and a coil of rope," 
said Frank, laughing. **I had no idea it would 
have fetched you so quickly. If you purpose to reef 
sails in the same sprightly manner Job will be de- 
lighted." 

" Why, you made almost noise enough to awaken 
the dead," ejaculated Dick, as he hastened away to 
assist Job, who had commenced to take in the 
canvas. 

Soon all were busy, and with Jack up aloft work- 
ing with the others, under Job's directions, the flap- 
ping sails were promptly hauled in and secured. 
Hardly had they finished ere the storm burst over 
them. The thunder rolled and rattled with deafen- 
ing crash overhead. The lightning flashed forth in 
all directions, while the rain descending in torrents 
lashed the waves into a foamy, frothy whiteness. 
With the wind howling around her and huge billows 
at every moment rising under and about her threat- 
eningly as if to engulf her, truly all Job's tact and 
experience, seconded by the able efforts of her 



90 

youthful crew, were now necessary to keep the little 
vessel afloat and on her course. Every now and 
then, as if to add to the peril of their situation, some 
great towering white capped wave, larger than the 
last, swept over her bow, carrying whatever would 
float before it. One of these immense waves lifted 
Frank suddenly ofi" his feet and landed him in the 
gangway. Another caused Charley to lose his bal- 
ance and to fall plump into a cosy little nest com- 
posed of heavy cables, near which, at that moment, 
he happened to be standing, so that, as Job after- 
wards remarked, with only head, hands and heels 
out, he resembled more some aquatic monster, all 
flappers, than a human biped. 

These casualties, however, were of little moment 
compared with the danger they were in. In fact 
they came, in time, with several others, just like 
them, to be regarded as mere matters of course. In 
this manner, for several days, the vessel had to be 
kept straight before the wind, which fortunately was 
in their favor. Little time was there or opportunity 
aff"orded for conversation. The boys had too much 
to attend to for that ; besides this, they were too 
much interested in their craft and its progress to 
discuss any other subject. The usual routine was 
observed, but with more promptitude and less 
chafiing. 



91 



CHAPTER III. 

As nothing of any striking importance occurs 
therein we may well, at the beginning of this chap- 
ter, pass over the days immediately following the 
storm alluded to in the previous one. Once again, 
with a clear atmosphere about her, and over waves 
dancing and glistening in the sun's bright rays, the 
yacht buoyantly holds her own. 

It is the twentieth day out, and the little vessel 
is gaily standing in towards the Mexican Gulf. 
Her crew, entirely recovered from their late exer- 
tions, are idly disporting themselves in various 
ways upon her deck. 

** Look out ahead there ! a wreck ! " suddenly 
exclaims Dick, who has been leaning over the side. 

The others quickly gather around him, while 
Job, taking the glass, directs his searching glance 
towards it. 

" Nothing but a small fruit-boat, which has lost 
her masts," he ejaculates. 

" Anybody aboard of her? " the boys exclaim. 

'* No, she appears to be water-logged." 

" As the sea is quite smooth, suppose we board 
her ? ' ' Charley suggests ; * * what say you ? ' ' 

" All right," replies Job : ** these Mexican fruit- 
boats sometimes carry a good assortment." 

Soon the yawl is out, Dick and Frank rowing 
towards the wreck, with Charley steering. 



92 

" Pshaw ! " Charley at length exclaims, as they 
drew near ; *' I see she hasn't got much of a cargo. 
Only a few barrels, and perhaps empty at that." 

Boarding her, however, they found that although, 
as Charley had said, there were but some five or six 
barrels in all, yet that these nevertheless were filled 
with fine-looking fruit — pineapples and bananas. 

" Well, I guess we can go these ! At any rate, 
I move that they be not consigned to the fishes," 
Charley ventured. 

" Let's see ! ' ' Frank responds ; * ' we surely ought 
to manage it in three trips." 

' ' Agreed ! ' ' second the others ; and in short 
order, but with more difficulty than they had ex- 
pected, or that, from the nature of their undertaking, 
they had counted on ; the last of the fruit, barrels 
and all, was at length transferred to the Sightly y 
and stowed away out of sight. 

Shaping their course now somewhat more to the 
southeast, without meeting with anything further 
remarkable, the Sightly, not many days after this, 
reached and crossed the equatorial circle. 

Once more altering her course, the j^acht stood in 
for the mouth of the Orinoco, which in due time 
she entered. Having taken in a supply of water 
here, her crew immediately put out to sea. 

On the evening of the sixth day after this, and 
when well out from shore, Charley, w^ho with Frank 
was keeping the watch, noticed at a considerable 
distance away a strange, peculiar glow, like the 



93 

appearance of fire. It was a clear, starlight night, 
the silvery moon casting her soft beams over the 
still, almost placid watery waste. Hurriedlj^ calling 
Job, who had retired, to come up on deck, Charley, 
informing Frank of what he had just seen, returned 
immediately to his position in the bow. Here he 
stood, silently contemplating the strange phenom- 
enon, until Job stood close beside him. 

** Well, what is it ? " inquired the latter, almost 
in a whisper, as he too leaned over the bulwarks. 

" Do you not see anything unusual, out there in 
the distance? " answered Charley. 

'' What ! a faint glimmer of light ? " 

"Yes." 

' ' Hold for a moment ! That must be something 
burning out there ! A ship, perhaps ! Look, too, 
how it flares up at times ! We must investigate 
this," said Job in a subdued voice; ** it would 
never do to pass a vessel in distress." 

Walking aft, Job communicated to Frank, who 
then held the wheel, what he had just seen, and his 
fears in relation thereto. Having ordered him to 
head the yacht in the proper direction, he then 
returned to the bow. Rejoining Charley, the two 
of them stood gazing over the taffrail in the direc- 
tion of the light. A hush, produced in great 
measure by the dread of beholding one of the most 
terrible calamities that can befall the mariner, had 
descended upon both, so that neither dared lift his 
voice much above a whisper. For an hour or so 



94 

they had thus proceeded bow on towards the light, 
as it flickered before them, illumining the sky and 
shedding a ruddy glow on all around. 

However, they were now rapidly drawing closer 
and closer, the light meanwhile growing brighter 
and brighter. Soon they could clearly perceive and 
comprehend the meaning of the illumination they 
had so long and attentively studied. What a spec- 
tacle met their vision ! There, directly in front of 
them, lay a great, magnificent bark wrapped in 
flames. How its lurid light lit up the heavens, 
giving to all around the appearance of day. Hastily 
desiring Jack and Dick to come up on deck, explain- 
ing at the same time the reason, Job prepared every- 
thing, lest peradventure there being some one aboard 
of her it might be necessary to attempt a rescue. 

They were now about as close to the burning 
ship as it was desirable or safe to venture. Lower- 
ing their boat, therefore, Job, taking Jack along 
with him, set off" immediately towards her. Soon 
they were quite close enough to discern whether or 
not there was anything or anybody alive and moving 
upon the deck. 

"No one ; not a human soul to be seen ! " mut- 
tered Job, after they had rowed around her from 
bow to stern. "Her crew and her passengers, if 
any such there were, have evidently long since 
taken their departure, and yet," he continued, "she 
has evidently not been ablaze much more than an 
hour. 'Tis strange we haven't fell in with any of 
her boats. 



95 

Having spelled out the name on the stern, which 
they discovered was the * ' Fraulein Friedricha von 
Hamburg," and having concluded forthwith that 
since they could accomplish nothing, it was, there- 
fore, about time to row back to their vessel, and 
leave to its fate the doomed hulk, whose blazing 
timbers now crackled and sputtered loudly in the 
flame, and whose tapering masts shone with a weird, 
ghastly, unwonted glow, they had hardly, in pur- 
suance of this intention, taken a dozen strokes in 
the proper direction, ere a loud explosion burst 
forth from the stern of the fiery mass. 

Unfortunately, not looking for such an untoward 
event, both were completely taken by surprise, and 
before they could place themselves at a safe distance, 
large billets of wood, with pieces of scorched and 
blazing timbers, scattered by the force of the dis- 
charge, commenced falling around about them. 
One of these billets of wood, happily not a large 
one, whizzing through the air, struck Jack in the 
head as it descended, knocking him over senseless 
into the bottom of the boat. 

Job, almost horror-stricken at this occurrence, 
grasping both oars firmly, pulled away lustily for 
the yacht, which being at no great distance off, he 
soon reached. By the use of cordials and stimu- 
lants, Jack was slowly brought back to conscious- 
ness, but his companions sorrowfully felt, as they 
helped him to his berth, that it would be many days 
ere he would be entirely recovered from the night's 
adventure. 



96 

Job, too, upbraided himself for having needlessly 
carried another into such danger to so little pur- 
pose, deploring the lack of discretion he had shown 
in remaining for so great a length of time near the 
burning vessel. The boys, however, could not see 
that Job had committed any grievous fault ; indeed, 
they regarded his conduct throughout as praise- 
worthy, even Jack himself expressing the opinion 
that Job had acted perfectlj^ aright and for the best. 
This view of the matter, together with the fact that 
Jack's condition in a da}^ or two began rapidly to 
improve, soon had its proper effect on Job, who 
brightened up wonderfully and was soon himself 
again. Taking turns at nursing the invalid, the 
boys soon brought Jack to his feet again, and 
although at first weak and dizzy, yet in a very 
short time, comparatively, he was as well and 
cheerful as ever he had been. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Not many days after what has already been 
described in the preceding chapter, during which 
time we are not for a moment to suppose that Jack's 
accident at all interfered with the progress or man- 
agement of the vessel : having pursued their 
monotonous way, each day almost as unvaried as 
the one preceding it ; having passed in the course 
of their journey the Rio de la Plata and the Gulf of 
San Antonio, the boys were at last well on their 
journey towards the Horn. 



97 

I will not pause to describe their experiences on 
rounding that promontory, resembling, as they do, 
those which all others are subjected to who view its 
frowning, stormy face. Neither will I here describe 
the sense of relief with which they at length beheld 
it sink from view in the hazy distance. 

Without further comment let us now hasten on to 
the main incident of the voyage. 

One fine July morning a little vessel might have 
been seen standing in towards a small group of 
islands in the South Pacific. It was a strange, un- 
frequented locality for such a vessel. But seldom 
could the smoke of a passing steamer be seen and 
rarely in the horizon a single sail. All was a dreary, 
dreamy solitude. Running close in towards the 
nearest of the three little islands the yacht ap- 
proached an inviting little cove with sandy, pebbly 
beach and drops anchor. We recognize aboard of 
her those whom we have met before, familiar faces. 

Yes, it is the Sightly and her youthful crew. At 
last they have reached the desired haven. Subdued 
by the deep silence that prevails, the sails having 
been lowered and carefully reefed, the boys without 
further ado row quietly to shore. For awhile they 
cautiously explore the interior of the island, after 
which, finding it seemingly uninhabited, they now 
carefully inspect the shore, observing closely the 
line of its formation. 

** Hold ! " at length exclaimed Jack, '* there's a 
vessel of some kind sunk right off that point to the 
left of the yacht." . . 



98 

"That's so," Charley added, "I see her mast 
tops a little above the surface." 

** Suppose we go out there and throw the lead," 
observed Dick. 

" A good suggestion, I think," remarked Frank, 
approvingly. 

It seems hardly necessary at this stage of our nar- 
rative to here inform the reader, acquainted as he is 
with the object of the voyage, of what the little 
party are in quest of, or of the nature of their pres- 
ent proceedings. Apparently they are now endeav- 
oring to locate the treasure. 

" How many fathoms ?" Dick ventured at last, 
when in their boat. Having reached the desired 
spot the lead is thrown out. 

" Six fathoms, here," Jack replied, examining 
the line. 

*' Well, I guess a little more forward, she is nearer 
surface than that. Charley, don't you think we can 
reach it?" inquires Dick. 

" Why, yes, I think so ; if, as you say, the chest 
containing the gold was on deck and near her bow. 

"Well, that is the location as set forth in the 
chart. ' ' 

Having, as they supposed, actually discovered 
the submerged vessel containing the concealed 
wealth, the boys returned to the yacht. Upon the 
next day and the day following the boys brought to 
shore the most of the appliances with which they 
intended to pursue their search. Upon the day fol- 



99 

lowing that again the boys erected their tent at a 
short distance from the shore and beneath some 
shady cocoanut palms that there flourished luxu- 
riantly. Here, too, when not otherwise employed, 
they could view the rippling waves and watch their 
vessel. And now, being fully prepared for it, with 
everything in readiness, they proceed to investigate 
further. Dredging with grappling irons and with 
hooked poles for the treasure, usually sleeping 
aboard the yacht at night, the first and second 
weeks glide quickly by without revealing anything 
remarkable or developing anything to inspire them 
with confidence and hope. So, working away with 
a will day after day, growing all the while less san- 
guine, the fourth week arrives and finds them still 
engaged in fruitless, unremunerative toil. 

Finally, the beginning of the fifth week seems to 
point to an eventually satisfactory termination. 
Having disgustedly dragged to the surface more 
than the usual quantity of worthless wreckage, suc- 
cess at last seems to smile upon them. The grap- 
pling hooks, sweeping along, pick up something, 
something extremely heavy. 

"Ah! here it comes, at last! " all delightedly 
exclaim, as manfully they tug the ropes, holding 
the weighty load- 
Judge of their astonishment, however, when 
instead of the long looked for treasure they haul to 
shore a large brass cannon. But little daunted at 
this, regarding it somewhat in the light of a pro- 



lOO 

pitious omen, the boys continued their search. 
Again the grappling hook promises to bring to the 
surface something more than mere rubbish. Dis- 
appointed once more ; it is but the prow of the 
vessel, or rather her figure-head. 

''What! a dragon-head, skull and cross-bones 
accompanying ! It is the wreck of a Malay pirate! " 
exclaimed Frank. 

*' The mystery is solved ! No use of searching 
further, since others have been here before us," he 
continued. 

One other singular circumstance was shortly after 
this accidentally discovered. The skeleton of an- 
other vessel lay alongside that of the pirate. The 
prowler and perhaps the prey had both alike been 
buried beneath the waves — useless to search longer. 

From all appearances the pirate captain, at some 
time or other, had very likely returned to the cove 
in his vessel, and quite probably gone off with the 
treasure. Soon after which some terrible disaster 
must have overtaken him. Perhaps, visiting his 
old haunts once more, his vessel may have been 
driven ashore and shipwrecked. Perhaps, with the 
treasure still aboard, discovered by some armed 
cruiser, she had been chased into the cove, fired 
upon and sunk, directly over the very spot from 
which she had taken her plunder. 

The treasure might yet be in the hold of the pirate, 
and not far below the surface. But who could say? 
All was now too uncertain, too indefinite, and the 



lOI 

boys felt they would have to relinquish their search. 
Besides, they had no contrivances that would at all 
answer the purposes of such a tedious investigation, 
while superadded to this was the fact that by so 
remaining they might thereby be exposed to some 
new danger, traces of rather fresh footmarks having 
been recently detected in the sand at no very great 
distance off. No ; it was time to depart, so gather- 
ing their possessions together, and hoisting the old 
brass cannon, which had been polished and other- 
wise renovated, aboard the yacht, Job Norton gave 
the word of command — 

" Hoist anchor ! ' ' And as the last " Heave ho " 
echoed from the shore, the Sightly, spreading her 
sails to the wind, bade adieu to the treasure island. 



CHAPTER V. 

Her white sails flapping in the breeze, the Sightly 
presented a handsome appearance as she pursued 
her homeward way. On all sides of her a wide, 
almost unbroken expanse of water meets the eye, 
the islands which they had so lately left appearing 
as mere specks on the horizon. On their lee lay a 
large island, which they were now rapidly approach- 
ing. Dick, sorely disappointed in the outcome of 
the voyage, felt deeply chagrined to think he had 
been the means of bringing his friends so far for 
nothing. 



I02 

All the day lie had been unusually quiet, so much 
so, that his friends were at a loss to account for his 
depression . They urged him not to worry over the 
outcome of their adventure, quoting the old adage, 
that '* Circumstances alter cases," but for a while 
it seemed to have no effect. 

Dick, however, was now fast regaining his wonted 
spirits. Studying the island closely, as they ap- 
proached it, Dick, who had been keeping a sharp 
lookout, saw, or thought he saw, smoke arising 
from behind a little bluff. He saw other signs, too, 
that led him to believe the island was inhabited. 
Calling the others about him he pointed out the 
state of affairs and announced his intention of deter- 
mining the truth of the matter, as to whether such 
was the case or not. 

Job endeavored to dissuade him, and so did the 
others : but, full of daring, his buoyant spirit hav- 
ing returned, he remained unyielding and obstinate. 

" Well, if you go ashore, I go, too," Job finally 
remarked. 

*' Boys," he continued, while they were lowering 
the boat, " for aught we know these may be sav- 
ages. Load both cannon and keep the yacht on 
this side of yonder bluff, so that she may be out of 
sight." 

Job then stepped down into the boat and the yawl 
shoved off. Marking her progress, those aboard of 
the yacht soon perceived she had rounded the bluff. 
They were hardly prepared for what occurred a few 



I03 

minutes later. One, two, three reports followed in 
quick succession. Jack, not being able to see, 
steered the yacht close in along the shore. 

What a scene met their sight. There, in the 
yawl, a little piece from the shore and rowing vigor- 
ously, were their two companions, while with them 
were two others, who, in spite of a well bronzed 
skin, they could readily make out were whites. On 
shore a number of dark-skinned, half-clad natives 
shouted and gesticulated, waving their limbs to and 
fro in an excitingly grotesque manner as they raced 
wildly up and down the beach, some few with their 
bows sending parting shafts after the yawl. 

'* Why, what ridiculous performances ; let's give 
the aborigines the proper salute," advised Charley, 
jocularly, as he contemplated this highly ludicrous 
exhibition of savage wrath. "By the mass," as 
Shakespeare says, ** I think their antics deserve 
some such recognition. Besides, it's a fine oppor- 
tunity to test our new acquisition," he observed, 
pointing to the brass cannon which they had resur- 
rected from beneath the waves and which with the 
other had been loaded. " Come, what say you?" 
he continued. 

'* Agreed," the others responded. 

Without further delay, turning the muzzle of the 
brass gun in the proper direction and taking accu- 
rate aim, they fired at a large canoe hauled up on 
the beach and towards which the natives were then 
movins:. 



I04 

''That's a good sight, better than hitting the 
natives," Job shouted, as he clambered over the 
side, ** although, I fear, as it is, they have hardly 
escaped scathless. ' ' 

Dick and Frank, helping the two strangers up the 
side, welcomed them aboard, and in less time than 
it takes to narrate the yacht stood out to sea. On 
shore, however, they could plainly see that their 
shot had had the desired effect, for on launching 
their canoe they could well observe the crowd hung 
back and would not for some reason trust them- 
selves in it. 

" Evidently you boj^s have settled the question as 
to a pursuit in that craft," remarked Job, approv- 
ingly, as he turned, spyglass in hand, towards Jack 
and Charle^^ who stood close beside him. 

Hardly had he concluded ere one of the strangers 
touched him on the arm. Making use of signs and 
gestures he directed Job's attention again towards 
the island. Then, pointing to the yacht, he swept 
his hand around in a wide circle imploringly. 

' ' What does he mean ?' ' Charley whispered aside 
to Job. 

"Hanged if I know, I never could make out 
these Portuguese." 

** You're sure he is one ?" 

" Yes," Job continued, " both are. 

" May he not mean, is it not likely, his compan- 
ions are around the bend and on the other side?" 

"The very thing. I believe that is just what he 
does mean/' replied Job, musingly. 



I05 

' ' Ho ! Put the vessel about and wear around to 
the other side of the island," he commanded a mo- 
ment later. 

"Aye, aye, sir," responded Frank, bringing 
down the spokes of the wheel. 

Approaching the other man, who had been 
slightly wounded in the arm by an arrow, and 
whose wound Dick was now engaged in bandaging. 
Job desiring to discover whether he could converse 
in English, at the same time pointing towards the 
island, inquired if there were any other of his com- 
rades there ? 

" Yaas, Senor, more ! Not see here away ! " he 
replied brokenly. 

"It's all right!" Job exclaimed. "Dick, he 
gives us to understand there is more work for us 
yet! " 

" Well, I'm 5^our man for that every time," Dick 
replied, evidently delighted with the prospect of 
meeting with some fresh adventure. 

All this while they had been tacking in along 
shore ; now, finally, they rounded the bend. There, 
to their astonished view, rolling and tossing amid 
the breakers as they thundered over her, lay exposed 
the dismantled wreck of a large schooner. The 
boys stood gazing upon this forlorn, desolate-look- 
ing object for quite a while, but no signs of life 
being observable aboard of her they presently took 
to studying the shore. 

" lyook further down! See, there's a tent!" 
suddenly exclaimed Jack, who, perhaps, somewhat 



io6 

more closely than the others, had been surveying its 
rough, broken outline, fringed densely with a 
luxuriant tropical vegetation. 

"So there is; you are right," Job responded, 
looking through his glass. *' 1 see no signs of life 
there, however," he added, after a short pause. 

'* Now then," he sang out, when they were 
almost opposite ; ' * lower the yawl ! ' ' 

Going below for a moment, he soon reappeared 
with two rifles. 

'* Here," said he to Dick, *'you take one and 
slide over the side." 

Dick, well pleased with having been so selected, 
promptly obeyed. 

'*Now," he continued, "I want another volun- 
teer ! " 

" Aye, aye, sir ! " the rest responded. 

'* No," said Job, *' you are to do as you did 
before. Load both cannon with ball and lay to." 

"It is a guide I want now," he explained, per- 
ceiving how visibly perplexed they were. As he 
said this, Job directed his glance towards the two 
Portuguese, who stood side by side, silent but inter- 
ested spectators of these proceedings. 

"I go, Senor ! " exclaimed the one who had 
been wounded, and whose left arm now hung sus- 
pended in a sling, observing Job's look and com- 
prehending his wish. 

"That settles it! Jump aboard, then," Job 
replied. 



107 

Silently and cautiously, their loaded arms beside 
them, they rowed to shore. The boat grounding a 
few minutes later, her occupants immediately sprang 
out and advanced towards the spot where was erected 
the tent which they had previously espied. 
Coming upon it suddenly, and to a certain extent 
unexpectedly, terrible indeed was the scene which 
met their horrified gaze, as, climbing a rather steep, 
wooded knoll, they at last looked down upon the 
open space stretching out before them towards the 
sea. There, upon the ground, scattered about the 
tent, their last earthly abode, and lying in shallow, 
crimson pools of blood, were those who but quite 
recently had dwelt within its folds. There they 
lay, in rough, ragged, sailor dress, just where they 
had fallen, their bodies transfixed with javelins and 
arrows, in some cases badly disfigured. 

Set upon by the barbarous, cruel, bloodthirsty 
natives, taken by surprise in the night, perhaps, 
they had evidently been savagely and wantonly 
butchered. They had, however, not died tamely, 
nor had they been overcome until after a desperate 
resistance, for out of fifteen dead bodies, four or 
five were those of the natives. Unarmed, but with 
a courage born of desperation itself, these poor, 
unfortunate, shipwrecked castaways had fought to 
the last dying gasp the cruel, inhuman foe. 

Without a word and seizing whatever implements 
would best answer the purpose, having first satisfied 
themselves that no enemy was lurking near, the 



io8 

three adventurers hurriedly dug a long narrow 
trench, and one after another deposited the bodies 
therein. This humane service rendered they pre- 
pared to depart, when the Portuguese sailor, who 
had accompanied them, bending sorrowfully over 
one of the bodies, all the while murmuring softly to 
himself, drew from the finger of the dead man a 
diamond ring and placed it upon his own. What 
this act denoted neither of his two companions knew, 
they could therefore only charitably surmise. 

"Perhaps," remarked Dick, "that ring, having 
associated with it some strange romance or history, 
he values it as a keepsake." 

" Yes, or if not, for other objects, perhaps, more 
likely to prove by it the horrible tragedy," was 
Job's rather cautious answer. 

The trench, soon after this episode, having been 
filled in, it was high time to depart. 

" Come," at length said Job, rather impatiently, 
' * away to the boat ere any of these grim barbarians 
return." 

Cautiously retracing their footsteps, dreading at 
every turn lest some fierce warrior brandishing an 
ugly spear or ponderous war club might spring out 
to dispute their pathway, they gradually descended 
to the point at which they had landed. Soon again 
they were safely afloat and rowing back to the 
yacht, which now, as before, stood in as closely as 
possible towards the shore. 

* ' lyook there ! Caesar Augustus ! ' ' suddenly ex- 
claimed Dick, pointing at the same time to a dark 



I09 

fringe near the outermost turn of the bend, where, 
drawn up side by side onshore, were several canoes, 
around which a number of dusky natives congre- 
gated. 

'* Pull away ! Quick time ! ' ' observed Job, taking 
in this new phase in their situation. They see us 
and are launching out to cut us off. I am afraid it 
is going to be nip and tuck between us," he added. 

Silently, steadily, determinedly, with all the 
strength they were then capable of, they tugged the 
oars. 

** They see our danger and are beckoning from 
the yacht," Dick observed at last. ** There," he 
continued, ''goes a flash from one of the guns." 

" Good, that will teach them a lesson," observed 
Job, as the shot shattered the nearest canoe. 

"Pull away; harder, faster!" exclaimed Dick. 
**The others, not at all intimidated, are gaining 
upon us. Just see how their paddles fly !" 

" That's so, bend to it," Job responded, " we are 
pretty near up with the yacht. A few more strokes, 
and with this light breeze, we must soon be aboard. " 

"They are now pointing their bows to shoot," 
again ventured Dick, somewhat anxiously. 

"All right, so they may," if it suits them," 
observed Job, defiantly, as the yawl at that very 
moment shot under the bow of the yacht and swept 
along the opposite side. 

Tying her securely they climbed up the side, rifle 
in hand. Almost instantaneously, as if by magic, 



no 

the sails filled with the freshening breeze and the 
vessel headed out to seaward. Charley and his 
companions, aided by the Portngiiese, had held 
themselves in readiness for this, knowing that no 
time was to be lost. One thing, for awhile, had 
looked serious, the wind began to die out. Now, 
however, their prospects were better, and the yacht 
swinging around flew out before the strong breeze, 
giving every assurance of getting safely away. Not- 
withstanding this, as the nearest canoe was now 
only a few yards distant, it behooved them to have 
recourse to other measures. 

Boom ! Bang ! rang out both cannon almost 
simultaneously as a flight of arrows whizzed over 
and about the vessel. The shot from the larger 
cannon sped harmlessly over the first canoe without 
apparent efiect upon its occupants. The other shot 
was more successful, carrying away a portion of the 
prow of the second canoe and leaving her in a sink- 
ing condition. 

" No use, boys, we must fight !" exclaimed Job. 
" Here comes the first canoe. I^oad both guns again 
as quickly as possible while Dick and I pick ofi" one 
or two. Now, my boy, he continued a moment 
later, addressing the latter, ' ' we do not desire them 
any closer. Ready! fire!" 

Promptly at his word two rifle reports resounded 
in quick succession and two dusky warriors fell 
sprawling into the bottom of the foremost canoe, now 
only ten yards distant. This canoe, somewhat 



Ill 



impeded and not rightly managed, immediately 
swept round in a semi-circle, allowing the yacht to 
gradually increase the distance. 

** We're safe, now," Job exclaimed ; '' that was 
the precise effect I longer for." 

We have loaded both guns, shall we fire them?" 
Jack here interrupted. 

*'No, not unless they continue the pursuit. If 
they had only been taught better and were not such 
ignorant barbarians I would before this have advised 
otherwise." 

Holding their course without further molestation 
they soon, to their great joy and satisfaction, beheld 
the island becoming less and less distinct. Nor was 
it long before night coming on hid it altogether 
from their view ; hid it from the vision, from the 
eye. Yes, but not, alas, from the mind, one hor- 
rible, ghastly sight, not even time itself would be 
able to shut out. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Several days after what has previously been 
narrated, having made considerable progress on 
their homeward way, and the excitement of their 
recent adventures having worn off, the boys were 
gathered aft, conversing with Dick, who held the 
wheel. Job being awsiy forward. 

" Dick," exclaimed Frank, '' you gave us yester- 
day a fair description of your last visit to the island 



112 

and what you then witnessed. You have never, 
however, so much as mentioned your first visit — 
the one that proved, beyond the shadow of a doubt, 
that it was inhabited. Suppose, now, for our edifi- 
cation and the better to while away the time, you 
spin a yarn concerning your adventures ? ' ' 

" Well, Frank, but how then will you know 
whether or not I am speaking the truth ? If 3^ou 
remember, you said yesterday that I was occasion- 
ally liable to wild exaggerations. I might, per- 
haps, stretch my 3^arn altogether too far. ' ' 

' ' Then we will throw you overboard to some 
whale. We won't stand a Jonah among us," re- 
torted Jack, facetiously. 

" Well, boys, if you please, I would rather not 
be thrown overboard hereabouts. I have seen sev- 
eral large and greedy-looking sharks in this vicinity, 
but so far not a single whale has crossed my vision. ' ' 

" Is that the case? " rejoined the others. " Per- 
haps, then, they have gobbled up some of those 
natives ? ' ' 

' ' Very likely replied Dick ; ' ' since they went 
forth in canoes, but had to swim in. At all events, 
I would rather not imitate them." 

•' Well, give us the story of your exploits, and 
we will very kindly take into consideration the 
mitigating circumstances of your present situation," 
remarked Frank, patronizingly. 

''Attention, then," said Dick; "if you must 
have it, here goes : 



113 

** Having landed, as you already know, beyond 
the bluif, we momentarily lost sight of the yacht. 
Working our way quietly forward, Job, like the 
wise old sea-dog that he is, cputioned me that it 
would never do to make a noise, so silently treading 
in one another's footsteps, Indian fashion, we crept 
along slowly to where the smoke was issuing. 
Here we came out on a little knoll, at the base of 
which we heard voices, sounding to our well-edu- 
cated ears strangely wild and uncouth. Edgeing 
our way to a clump of bushes, which there over- 
hung the knoll, we peeped over. 

"What do you think we saw? There, seated 
around a blazing, crackling fire, were about fifty or 
sixty natives, more or less, apparently holding a 
council of some kind, while near by, tied to two 
palm trees, were our two Portuguese. 

" Having observed this critical posture of affairs, 
we were not long in deciding upon our line of action. 
Job leading the way, we hastened, in a roundabout 
way, as noiselessly as possible, over to where they 
stood. Dashing in, we cut the ropes that bound 
them, and then urging them onward, set out at a 
rapid, breakneck pace for the yawl, which we 
reached in good time, the natives at our heels. 

'' The yell they gave, as, startled by our sudden 
appearance, they sprang to their feet, neither of us 
will ever forget — it was so fierce and fiendish. Job 
fired two shots from his revolver before he ran, and 
I, frightened almost out of my wits, fired one from 
mine. This, gentlemen, with the further addition 



114 

that by unceremoniously shoving out from the 
shore, we thereby eluded capture, concludes, let me 
hope, an interesting story ; or, perhaps, to give it a 
better finish, if your memories are so short that you 
cannot recall the rest, I might furthermore add as 
an extension, that when they would have forthwith 
put to sea in their canoe and pursued after us, for- 
tunately the sea-serpent came along just then and 
damaged it to such an extent, that fearful of further 
accident, they with one accord concluded to remain 
on shore." 

''Hush! that's enough, go on and hang your- 
self," ejaculated the boys, one after another. 

* * Let well enough alone and you will have a fine 
record. Ship ahoy!" Job now sang out from the 
bow. 

*' Where away ?" shouted Dick, recalled to the 
present by this interruption. 

"Close on our lee,'* cried Job, as almost imme- 
diately afterwards a large vessel hove in sight. 

"Why it's a British cruiser," Jack remarked, 
presently. And so it was. 

Aboard of her they could plainly distinguish the 
marines as they trudged up and down, their muskets 
gleaming in the sunlight. On she came, her long 
steel guns protruding through the open port holes. 

"Ho! she is heading directly for us," observed 
Job. "There, her captain is out on the bridge ; 
she is going to speak us," he continued. 



115 

" Hello !" came from her deck, in a loud, com- 
manding tone. 

''Well, what is it?" 

''What vessel's that?" 

" The Sightly, Captain Norton." 

" Hello," again. 

"Well, what is it?" 

" Seen anything of a large Portuguese slave 
schooner?" 

' ' No ; but further up towards the tropics noticed 
a large wreck." 

' ' Thank you ; that is probably the vessel we have 
pursued from the African coast, and supposed for 
awhile she had continued on." 

Both vessels now parted, each pursuing its sepa- 
rate way. Soon the cruiser had disappeared from 
view. 

Do you know, boys," said Job, " I greatly fear 
these Portuguese we have with us once formed part 
of that slaver's crew. If so, they are little better 
than pirates. I move, anyway, that we rid ourselves 
of them as soon as possible." 

" Where are we now ?" Charley inquired. 

' ' In longitude 90° , 30' west from Greenwich ; 
latitude 30° south. I have about concluded to run 
into Valparaiso and put our passengers ashore." 

"Why, just the thing! That would be excel- 
lent !" exclaimed Charley and Dick, almost in a 
breath. Then we could enjoy a hunt or at least a 
run on shore." 



ii6 

" Well, I will see," Job responded, " but I think 
you may reasonably count on such an opportunity." 

As nothing further worthy of comment occurs to 
relieve the monotony of the voyage we may here 
leave them to pursue their uninterrupted course. 



CHAPTER VII. 

It is the early part of August, and just as the sun 
is setting over the harbor of Valparaiso, a little 
yacht glides in and drops anchor. A boat is then 
lowered and into her climb four men, who immedi- 
ately set out for shore. Soon two of them return 
and row back to the vessel ; the others, two Portu- 
guese sailors, have parted from her to return no 
more. We can guess the rest. The little yacht is 
the Sightly. Once more, after a long journey, in a 
civilized, inhabited port. 

The next day, at sunrise, three of her crew come 
ashore. They are Job, Charley and Dick. Each 
carries a rifle and each evidently expects to get a 
crack at game of some kind or another. 

The Custom House inspection completed, and the 
object and purpose of their present expedition ex- 
plained, they walk on through the poorly built town. 
Having passed quite a number of wooden shanties 
they reach at length the railway depot, and soon are 
steaming away towards Santiago. Reaching that 
point, after a ride through and by the most noble 
and picturesque scenery, they take the main road 



iiy 

that leads over the Andes to Mendoza. Trudging 
along this road for quite a distance Charley, at 
length, inquires ** if it will not now do to strike off 
in some other direction?" 

•'Yes]" Job replies. 

So the little party, Job leading the way, diverge 
from the main road and enter a bypath leading down 
through a forest of Aurcanian pines, dotted here and 
there with a carob tree, an oak, or some other 
variety. Having continued on for quite a while in 
silence, not meeting or seeing a single creature, 
with the exception, perhaps, of a lone turkey buz- 
zard or some far away condor sweeping among the 
clouds. Job suddenly commanded them to halt. 

'' Hist !" said he. '' Did you hear that?" 

"No!" answered the others. *'What did it 
sound like?" 

" Like the tread of some wild animal. I thought, 
too, I heard a twig snap." 

**Ha! there it is, and no mistake, he added. 
** Do you hear that growl ?" 

'•Yes! What is it?" 

" Don't know ! See, there it is crouching under 
that cypress over by the ravine." 

"Why, that looks like a large cat !" remarked 
Dick ; at any rate, it belongs to the Feliadae." 

" Hold ! I know what it is," exclaimed Charley. 
" It's a cougar." 



ii8 

Cautiously and with cocked rifles they now ad- 
vanced towards the cypress, the cougar snarling and 
snapping its teeth meanwhile quite viciously. 

Right below the road lay a deep, but narrow 
gulch or ravine, through which a little mountain 
stream meandered. The cougar, observing its foes 
approaching, immediately sprang for a narrow ledge, 
which projected from the other side. But alas ! too 
late. Three reports rang out on the still air, and 
with one loud, prolonged howl the cougar fell dead 
and rolled over and over down the slope. 

' * Dead ! dead as a door-nail ! ' ' exclaimed both 
the boys together. 

" Now," observed Job, ** how shall we bag our 
game ? But for that last fool trick, we might now 
have had him." 

" Stop," cried Dick, " I think I have it. There 
is, a little further on, a ragged, but quite a gradual 
descent. Right out there the gully widens, and we 
can there get down without much difficulty." 

After one or two ineffectual attempts, the little 
party finally discovered a point from which they 
could safely descend. Reaching the cougar, they 
skinned it, and leaving the carcase, retraced their 
footsteps just as two large vultures swooped down 
upon it. As they did so, Dick, sauntering along, 
noticed on the ground, in among the rocks, over 
which murmured the swift -running little brooklet, 
something which shone with a bright, attractive 
lustre. Hastening over, he picked it up, aware the 
next moment of its nature. 



119 

•'Job!" he cried. ''Charley! look here. I 
have found a large gold nugget ! ' ' 

" So you have," said Job, scanning it closely. 
" It is worth, too, a snug little sum ! Such finds 
are not altogether unusual in this country, however. 
These small streams," he continued, "frequently 
flow through a rich gold region, and often nuggets 
such as this are washed along for several miles." 

With this observation all three, including Job, 
indulged in a thorough search for the precious 
metal ; which, in the end, as if to confirm Job's 
previous remark, proved fruitless, no other golden 
nugget being discovered. 

Wrapping the nugget up in the cougar skin, it 
being then late in the afternoon, thej set out for the 
yacht, which without further adventure they finally 
reached just as the daj^ was drawing to a close, 
highly delighted with their short inland tour and 
its results, after having keenly enjoyed the pure 
mountain air and the rough scenery. One thing 
they could not help noticing as they passed through 
the city of Valparaiso, and that was the scarcity of 
fine-looking, commodious buildings. In some 
places the buildings, even those of a public char- 
acter, were all cracks and seams, caused, perhaps, 
by the Spanish bombardment of the city in years 
gone by, or else, latterly, by the frequent and severe 
earthquake shocks. However, feeling much fatigued, 
they were glad to get back to the vessel, and after 
exhibiting the skin and their find retired to their 
berths. 



I20 

Early the next day, water and other supplies hav- 
ing been taken aboard, Job, who in spite of the test 
his sea-legs had been subjected to the day previous, 
felt none the worse for his experience, gave the 
order to ' ' weigh anchor, ' ' and the yacht with white 
sails set ran out before the breeze, and before long 
the harbor of Valparaiso, with the sloping city by 
its side, had faded from view. 

*' I once heard a curious tale connected with 
that city," said Job, turning to the boys, when at 
last the}'^ could but dimly make out the far away 
coast. 

" As you by this time probably well know, it is a 
custom with the Chinese government to behead or 
otherwise dispose of those diplomatists or other 
officers who incur the emperor's displeasure, or 
whose views upon the governmental policy do not 
quite coincide with those of the central and supreme 
administration. Thus, if a Chinese minister signs 
or approves of a treaty which is not ratified by the 
home government, he knows what to expect. 

" Well, to proceed with my story. Once on a 
time, a minister to one of the more northern States 
of this our western world, one Tyng Shoen by 
name, having the misfortune to be thus situated, 
and expecting every day a letter of recall, concluded 
that the proper moment had arrived to visit Chili, a 
country in which, all at once, he had become, or 
professed to have become, exceedingl}^ interested. 
So visit Chili he accordingly did, stopping at Val- 



121 

paraiso, which place suited him so well that forget- 
ful of the entanglements of State, he made it his 
permanent residence, being not only treated with 
great respect and kindly consideration, but also 
being held in high honor all the rest of his days, 
his government, on account of some peculiar 
notions regarding etiquette, not being willing to 
recall him until he should have returned to his 
post." 

" A fine way that of outwitting the government," 
said Dick, after the short pause which succeeded 
this narrative. "I suppose, too, that being an 
ambassador he could trade pretty freely on credit ?" 

" Certainly." 

**Job," said Charley, changing the subject, "I 
have heard there is a province in Chili in which 
rain never falls ; is that so, or is it merely an idle 
tale, without foundation ? " 

"No," Job responded, "it is an actual fact. 
Northward from the city of Valparaiso, in the 
province of Coquimbo, rain is unknown ! " 

" How, then, can they cultivate anything ? " 

" Oh, that is easy enough on account of the very 
heavy dews ! " 

"Job, you're a jewel!" said Charley, as Job 
strode forward. " We will have to have j^ou give 
us a good story, some time before the cruise is over. ' ' 

"Just as you like; not a hard task, since you 
seem so willing to swallow anything and everything, 
truth and fiction alike," Job remarked as he left the 
little circle. 



122 

Shortly after this, Job's gruff voice required 
them to reef the topsails, and for a while they were 
kept quite busy. Soon darkness settled over them, 
and as the necessary watches had to be kept, there 
was no further opportunity for conversation. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

A FEW days after the conversation, as related in 
the preceding chapter, the Sightly^ with jib and 
foresail set, having entered and passed through the 
Straits of Magellan, close in along the shore of 
Desolation Island, having sailed by the island of 
Terra del Fuego, with its rugged outline, the snow- 
capped Andes of the mainland forming a magnifi- 
cent and majestic background, launched forth once 
more upon the Atlantic. 

* ' Heading to the northwest, and scudding lightly 
before a stiff breeze, they had, not long after, 
almost arrived off the Falkland Islands, when 
Charley, who at the time was forward, suddenly 
sang out, " Sail ahead ! " 

As they approached, they observed she was an 
American man-of-war, and also that her boats were 
out and lying off a wreck not far distant. 

" Out with our colors ! " shouted Job, and soon 
the Stars and Stripes floated from the peak. The 
man-of-war, as they flew by, volunteered them a 
salute. Almost immediately afterwards, a loud 



123 

report sounded across the waves. Looking in the 
direction of the sound, to where the boats' -crews 
were at work, a grand spectacle met their sight. 

The boats' crews, in performing their work, hav- 
ing charged the wreck and lit the fuse, had then re- 
tired to a safe distance, the explosion, which 
immediately followed being the result of their opera- 
tions . The boys stood watching the shattered timbers 
as amid a lurid light they could be seen flying in 
all directions. 

"So has probably ended a noble, useful career," 
remarked Job , wiping away a tear from the corner 
of his eye. ** I always feel sad somehow or other," 
he continued, "when I see what has once been a 
sailor's home sink forever beneath the waves." 

The boys, although they said nothing, felt much 
of the same sentiment that the old salt's words ex- 
pressed. From their reverie they were all at once 
aroused by Frank, who, pointing towards a large, 
dark object floating at some distance ofi", declared4t, 
in his opinion, to be a whale. 

" Hold on," said Job, " if yonder is a whale, it 
must be a dead one. No live whale lies as still as 
that." Then, putting the glass to his eye, a broad 
grin gradually overspread his swarthy visage. ** A 
whale, indeed !" he continued, with a loud ha ! ha ! 
*' Why, it's only some wreckage, a mast or so, with 
rigging attached. 

" Well," said Frank, as he faced about to return 
to the forecastle, " it certainly looked like one." 



124 

"Yes," assented Job, I was almost taken in 
myself. ' ' 

Upon taking the wheel the boys gathered around 
him and listened for awhile to one or two expe- 
riences he had met with while out w^hale hunting. 

"Boys," he said at last, breaking off abruptly, 
" if we keep a sharp lookout we ought surely to see 
one of these creatures before another day is out." 

They had almost forgotten this latter remark, 
when the next day, just as the sun was sinking low 
in the western horizon, the little group, having met 
together precisely as on the day before, and looking 
towards its broad disc suddenly saw a stream of 
water shoot up from the sea. 

' * There she blows ! ' ' Job exclaimed, rapturously. 
" No sham whale this time !" he added, as, after 
squinting for a few seconds through the glass, he 
handed it to the boys. 

" Blame it all ! if she comes this way, blazes ! 
but I'll put a hole through her !" he continued. 

The boys watched the huge monster as it flopped 
its great tail and dived to and fro among the bil- 
lows, quite evidently thoroughly enjoying the 
sport as every now and then it sank from view to 
reappear in another spot. Job, however, was disap- 
pointed ; it did not give him an opportunity to carry 
out his threat, but kept at a safe distance from the 
vessel. Soon the sky, beginning to cloud over, he 
discovered that as skipper he would have enough to 
do attending to the vessel and preparing for a storm . 



125 

'* Although," as he expressed himself, "this 
storm would probably not amount to a row of pins," 
yet as an insurance agent would advise. Job believed 
in "taking no risks." 

By nightfall a light rain had commenced to fall, 
but the wind not being too strong they were enabled 
to hold their course. Indeed, by the time the next 
watch came on deck the bright stars were shining 
and all was clear above them. And now for a week 
or two they pursue their uninterrupted way without 
incidents of further importance attending their voy- 
age. Touching at Rio Janeiro they replenished 
their supplies, laying in some fresh meat and also 
some salt pork, and taking aboard several barrels of 
water. With these necessary additions they then 
resumed their voyage. They had not proceeded 
very far from the port before Job, who had been 
conversing with Jack at the bow, turned and walked 
aft to where Charley, who held the wheel, was gayly 
chatting with his comrades, Frank being seated on 
a coil of rope and Dick upon the anchor. 

Leaning against the capstan, Job informed them 
that the vessel was once more entering the tropics, 
" and," he continued, after a short pause, " I hope 
we may have as good weather and be as well favored 
b}^ fortune as we have been hitherto. As you very 
well know, perhaps, it is not unusual in this region 
for the wind suddenly to die out and a dead calm to 
set in. Not that our food and water supply will not 
hold out, but then no true sailor cares to lie idle 
here for a month or over, as is sometimes the case." 



126 

" Well," said Dick, *' if you are going to give us 
a long stay hereabouts, with plenty of rest for the 
weary, you will have to furnish some amusement, 
for I can tell you I'm beginning to feel pretty dull 
already." 

*' Yes," put in Frank, " you will have to tell us 
that long, long story you promised some time ago." 

" There, my hearties, you will have to be more 
careful. Remember," Job continued, in a tone of 
mock reproof, "I never tell long stories. Expect 
little or nothing, therefore, and you will not be 
disappointed." 

" Well, I suppose we will, in that respect, have 
to accede to your wishes," replied Dick : "but 
veril}', [ have been put to sleep before this by 
so-called short stories. " Present company, of 
course, excepted," he added humorousl}^ 

"I can remember," Dick continued, "an old 
doctor whom I used frequently to visit, when a 
small boy, and whose conclusions were often so 
much longer than the story itself, that actually my 
father used to have frequently to poke me in the 
ribs to keep me in a sound and wide-awake con- 
dition." 

"Well," said Job, " if you can believe it, "I 
had a still stranger experience. I went one day to 
a choice concert — everything quite select, as land- 
lubbers would say — high-toned and classical, and 
actually, some of them said, I nearly raised a panic 
by starting up, right at the critical moment, in a 



127 

nightmare. Why," Job went on, observing how 
deeply impressed the boys were with his narrative, 
" I used to know a hardy, hearty old chap, who 
used to fairly drown the church choir with his loud 
snoring, not being disturbed at all by their musical 
efforts. But enough of this," he continued, bring- 
ing down his fist. " A long story is too cheap for 
me, and its main points too often forgotten. When 
the right time comes, boys, why then you shall 
have a story, but not till then. In a short time, 
say when we are safely over the Equator, I will give 
you a brief account of the sea-serpent that once 
wriggled its devious course before my astonished 
vision ! How would that fill the bill, think you ? " 

''Why, excellent! " 

' ' The very thing ! ' ' the boys responded almost 
in a breath. 

" That is," Dick added, "with the proviso that 
you do not impart too wild a flavor. Moderation 
in all things for me ! ' ' 

CHAPTER IX. 

Two or three weeks after the conversation as 
above related, the Sightly, about the end of Septem- 
ber, after having been becalmed several times in 
her course, and impeded once or twice by unfavor- 
able winds, crossed the equatorial circle with all her 
canvas on, before a light but steady wind. Job and 
Frank, as lookout and steersman respectively, were 
on deck, the others were below. 



128 

"Those chaps have been below a considerable 
time, I think," said Job, calling aloud to Frank; 
" I wonder what is keeping them." 

"Well, they told me they were going to see if 
there was anything left in those old fruit barrels, 
and I should therefore presume they are now engaged 
in sampling what remains of their contents." 

" How foolish ! Why didn't they go to the new 
barrel which I got in at our last stopping place ? ' ' 
replied Job. " If there is anything left in the bot- 
toms of those old barrels it is surely spoiled by this 
time," he added. 

A few minutes later Charley, followed by Dick 
and Jack, came up the gangway. Each wore a 
sour, disgusted expression. 

" Frank," at length exclaimed Dick, " the fruit 
is that ripe we couldn't go it ! Here's a pineapple 
for your share, and you ought to be thankful for 
that." 

" Why didn't you try the new barrel Job took in 
at Rio Janeiro ? " observed Frank. 

' * Simply because we desired to examine the old 
ones first." 

Approaching Job, who stood scanning the hori- 
zon, the latter innocently inquired where they had 
been. 

" Below deck, investigating,*' answered Charley. 

" Well, what has it amounted to ? " inquired the 
hardy old seaman. 



129 

'* Just this : what little remains in those old fruit- 
barrels has spoiled," replied Dick. '' Of course," 
he continued, **we did not try those covered over 
with canvas, potatoes on top. Guess they're the 
same, though." 

"I'm not at all surprised," ejaculated Job, some- 
what amused. *' Did you think that that fruit 
would last forever ? ' ' 

" Not at all," answered Dick ; ''our sole purpose 
was to discover its present condition." 

*' Well, that was perfectly proper, and since you 
have thus called my attention to the matter, we will 
before long have to get rid of the truck and rubbish 
stored up below. But now, ' ' continued Job, lightly 
changing the subject, '* it strikes me, that some 
time ago I promised you a story when we should 
have passed the Equator ? ' ' 

''Why, so you did," chimed in the boys together. 
"Out with it at once ! " 

**Let us hope," added Dick, ''that since we 
passed the Equator, so long ago, it hasn't taken all 
this time to prepare for the ordeal." 

" Very well," Job responded. " Now then, hav- 
ing a spare moment, keep quiet and I will at once 
spin my little yarn. Let's see, what was it to be 
about? (The sea-serpent!) Oh, yes. I had 
almost forgotten. 

" To begin aright, therefore, and without further 
ceremony," continued Job, leaning against the jib' 
" let me say that having, in my time, made many 



I30 

voyages, and having held divers positions on ship- 
board, a fact of which you are all well aware. I 
once, several years ago, made a voyage to Holland, 
as second mate of a large brig, the master of which 
was a Dutchman, a quiet, phlegmatic little man, and 
yet at times one of the most violent and obstinate 
of all contrary mortals that ever I laid eyes on. 

* * He was by no means a teetotaler either, and his 
round, red face, plump nose and corpulent body 
gave ample evidence of the fact. 

"On board the vessel, and serving with the crew, 
were two negroes, hard workers, but very supersti- 
tious. These two woolly-headed chaps were quite 
a source of merriment to the first mate, with whom 
I bunked, who, being a genuine son of Erin, was 
full of original humor and native wit. 

"Well, one day when about mid-ocean, what 
should one of these negroes, who was acting as 
lookout, behold, away at some distance from the 
vessel, but a long, wavy line, seemingly creeping 
along the surface of the sea. Now, shortly before 
this, some of our men had stuffed the poor fellow 
with horrible stories about the sea-serpent. Think- 
ing, therefore, that at last he beheld the great mon- 
ster wriggling before him, he shouted out in terror, 
' The sea-serpent ! the sea-serpent ! ' and danced 
around on the deck in a way ludicrous to behold. 

"Well, hardly had I and the first mate begun to 
comprehend what was the matter, ere the other 
negro appeared, and witnessing with consternation 



131 

the strange conduct of his comrade, at once started 
in to out-do him by his own wild, uncouth behavior. 
They sang something, I do not exactly remember 
what. This I do know, however, that intermit- 
tently and whenever they could find breath sufficient, 
they screamed together, ' Tuk 'im awah, afoh he 
eats de ship ! Massa, we're gwine shuah, all gob- 
bled up ! ' Thus they went on for quite a while. 

' * * What do you suppose is the matter with the 
imps ? ' I asked the first mate, who like myself 
stood silently contemplating the scene. 

** * Sure, they're crazy ! ' he answered. * Let's 
douse them into the water ! ' 

''Looking towards the sea at that moment he » 
too, happened to espy the wavy line. 

'* ' Look there! ' he shouted, as I looked in the 
direction indicated. 'St. Patrick! I believe they 
are nearer right than we think them. It's the 
serpent sure, and no mistake ! I'll away to the 
Captain ! ' 

" Studying the object he had pointed out closely, 
the black line kept waving to and fro, up and down, 
at a great rate, thinks I to myself, yonder is, indeed, 
something extraordinary. Meanwhile the Captain 
had arrived on the scene, and I could easily per- 
ceive from his muddled appearance that, as the 
saying is, he was half-seas over. 

" * Ish it got 'im alrecht ? Gif 'im da oder 
nigger, if he musht haf 'im,' he muttered con- 
fusedly. ' Goot-bye ! ' and away below he went 



132 

again before one of us could say ' Jack Robinson." 
As to his remarks, I never was able to quite com- 
prehend their import, unless that by them he wished 
us to understand that we were to throw the negroes 
overboard and thus appease the monster. 

" Perhaps, his worthy first oflttcer, having by his 
account of the matter confused him somewhat, he 
had concluded that the serpent regarded the negroes 
as his rightful prey. At any rate, his words had by 
no means a soothing effect on the two negroes, who 
now leaped about as though they had suddenly 
received an electric shock. 

" The mate, who was rarely nervous, now came 
towards me, and noticing that he was all of a 
tremble, I requested him to give me the glass, which 
he had brought up from below. Taking it and 
placing it to my eye, I studied attentively the long 
black line that had created the disturbance. ' It is 
leaving us,' I simply said ; 'it's getting less and 
less.' As I said this I handed back the glass, 
without further comment. 

''Strange to say, my words had a tranquilizing 
effect upon the dancing, prancing black men, and 
the mate, picking up a bucket, soused them until 
they became sober." 

' ' And was it really a sea-serpent ? ' ' inquired 
Dick, whose belief in the incredible was truly 
remarkable. 

' ' Why, no ; of course, not ! A sea-serpent would 
hardly act as that one did ! ' ' 



133 

** Well, what was it then ? " 

"Guess!" 

"A ship's mast!" suggested Charley. ''You 
know we mistook that once for a whale ! ' ' 

'* No, nothing of the sort; and since you can't 
guess it, it was only a flock of sea-fowls that thus 
furnished us with a sea-serpent ! A flock of birds, 
like a cloud, flying so close that they seemed as one 
object, sometimes almost resting on the surface of 
the water, at other times bunching and rising up- 
wards. It was a curious sight." 

"I should think so," each of his deeply inter- 
ested hearers rejoined. 

" Boys," Job continued, laying his hand on 
Dick's shoulder, "were it not that our cruise has 
been such a long one, we would ere this have had a 
visit from old Neptune on crossing the line of the 
Equator. He rarely lets his novices off", I can tell 
5'ou ; however, as we are so well on our way, and 
as he did not visit you the first time, he will not 
visit you now." 

"Oh," said Jack ; "it's just as well he didn't 
trouble himself. Frank and I have made his ac- 
quaintance already." 

"So have I," said Charley, " and as for Dick, he 
don't know where he's been ; his father may have 
introduced him to the old fellow long ago ! ' ' 

"Well, then," replied Job, "we are all true 
blue; all the right stuff", and now," he continued, 
" if this wind from the southwest lasts, we may 
hope to make good time on our homeward stretch." 



134 

•'Job," Charley presently ventured, '*I have 
often wanted to put into a Mexican port, just for 
the fun of the thing, and since we carry no treasure, 
but are out for health and pleasure, suppose we put 
into Tampico Bay ? ' ' 

*' Tampico Bay ! " Job responded. " Very well; 
you could hardly have selected a better time. As a 
rule, Mexican ports, being unhealthy, I do not care 
to visit them : but if, as you say, you are out for 
pleasure, and as about this time of the year, or in a 
month or so, by which time we ought to be up in 
the Gulf stream, nothing is to be apprehended on 
the score of health from such a visit, I will consult 
my charts, and if the weather holds out accede to 
your wishes." 



CHAPTER X. 

About three or four weeks after the conversation 
related above, Job, true to his word, guided the 
Sightly through the Mexican Gulf, and in a few 
days she glided into the bay which skirts the Mexi- 
can city of Tampico, and bears its name. 

All on board were quite hopeful and happy, but 
for some cause or other a change, hardly observable 
to a mere stranger, had come over the party. For 
some reason, their only desire now was to sail for 
home. Every once in a while they would eagerly 
and uninterruptedly discuss in quiet, some matter 



135 

or subject which evidently gave them much pleasure. 
Yet it might well be surmised, from their animated, 
exuberant spirits, their bright eyes twinkling with 
excitement, that something of an unusual nature 
had happened. And something had occurred, too. 

The reader may, perhaps, need to be reminded 
here of the conversation which occurred some time 
before this, respecting the old fruit barrels, wherein 
Job expressed a determination to rid the vessel of 
their contents. With these old barrels one of the 
principal and most important events of the Sightly' s 
cruise is closely connected. One day, shortly after 
they had entered the Gulf of Mexico, there being 
nothing else to do, Job suggested that the hold be 
looked to, and that all worthless or refuse matter, 
especially the old fruit barrels, be brought up and 
dumped overboard. This work the boys imme- 
diately proceeded to accomplish. 

Jack and Charley together, having rolled the 
barrels to the side of the vessel, had raised one 
barrel, intending to throw its contents overboard, 
and to utilize the same as a receptacle for the pota- 
toes, which, canvas and all, they had previously 
removed, when all at once Dick, who was then 
standing near by watching these proceedings, sprang 
forward and called upon them to stop, as at the 
same moment a heavy object with a bright, shining 
surface, rolled across the bottom. 

''Boys! Charley! Jack! What's this?" he 
cried, as he dived down into the barrels. 



130 

Another second and he emerged with a large, 
richly embossed, solid silver plate. Astonished 
almost beyond measure at such a startling discovery, 
and with good reason conjecturing that the rest of 
the barrels might contain treasure, they went to 
work more cautiously than before. And well they 
did so, for every one of the old fruit barrels was 
found to contain, deep down at the bottom, rich 
treasure — gold cups, silver-plate and tankards, old 
Spanish currency, etc. Even jewelry, diamond 
rings, pearl necklaces, richly wrought metallic 
chains and bracelets, met their ecstatic gaze. 

When they had at last concluded their search, 
and nothing further could be uncovered and brought 
to light, fully one-fourth of the barrel which had 
been emptied for its reception, contained a glitter- 
ing, precious store. 

''Wonderful!" all exclaimed, as they stood 
around it. 

" Yes," said Charley, picking out from the head 
a sparkling gem, " this is a true stone, too ! " 

" 'Tisaqueer transaction throughout," remarked 
Job reflectively. 

* * Who would have supposed that those old fruit- 
barrels contained such an exceedingly valuable 
collection?" exclaimed Dick. "Our cruise, at 
last,- has unexpectedly fulfilled our expectations." 

" One thing yet remains for us to do," observed 
Job, as if in answer to this latter remark, *' it will 
hardly be proper for us to consider it our own until 
we have found out something further respecting it." 



137 

** What would you infer from its being so singu- 
larly concealed ? " inquired Charley. *' Do you 
believe it has been surreptitiously obtained ? ' ' 

'* Yes," replied Job ; ** it may be, however, since 
I have heard of like instances, that its former 
possessors fell, upon it by chance in shore, and were 
seeking to evade the vigilance of the Mexican 
authorities, who claim all such wealth on behalf of 
the government. One thing I would advise : we 
will have to be very cautious in port concerning 
this prize. If what I have just hazarded should 
prove the case, so that we may legitimately consider 
the treasure ours, then no time is to be lost — we 
must immediately put to sea." 

' * What do you mean by their falling upon it by 
chance ? " inquired Dick. '* That it had previously 
been stolen ? ' ' 

' ' No ; I mean that it may have been long-buried 
treasure, discovered and unearthed." 

* * Is that very frequent ? ' ' 

"Yes ; in some sections of the country, especially 
in the old Spanish or French provinces. ' ' You see, ' ' 
Job continued in explanation, " shortly before the 
overthrow of Maximilian and his empire, those of the 
rich Dons and French nobles who could do so, 
buried their wealth or hid it in the walls of their 
chateaus and left the country. Nor is that all ; as 
you well know, many of the wealthy and influen- 
tial settlers have, in like manner, been forced since 
then to emigrate, owing to the frequent internal 
disorders to which the government is subject." 



I3» 

" Remember now," said Job, abruptly concluding 
his remarks, ** one thoughtless word spoken may- 
arouse the suspicions of the government officers, 
and subject not only our treasure, but also the 
yacht, to seizure ! " 

' ' Do not let that concern you, ' ' the boys responded 
reassuringly ; you can rely upon us to keep the 
matter secret. Who, now, is to conduct the 
inquiries ? " 

" I will manage that," answered Job ; " leave it 
to me." 

Well satisfied with this arrangement, the little 
group broke up, those not required for the manage- 
ment of the vessel carrying out the task already 
undertaken. Within two or three days after the 
discovery above outlined, the empty barrels having 
been carried below and stowed away in the hold, 
the little yacht entered and anchored in Tampico 
Bay, as we have previously described. Hardly had 
they arrived when a boat containing custom house 
officers came alongside. 

" Dick," whispered Job, " you have placed that 
barrel the furthest in of the lot, have you ? Our 
visitors may wish to examine the hold ! ' ' 

" Yes, I have done so, and have covered it with 
the potatoes," replied Dick softly. 

* ' Oh, all right then, ' ' answered Job, as he hurried 
off to welcome the officers aboard, "our doubts 
must soon be settled." 

Shaking the Mexican's extended hand, he now 
inquired whether he could be of any service. This 



139 

question having been duly interpreted to him by 
one who acted as an interpreter, the officer quickly 
replied to it in Spanish. 

" We would like to know," said the interpreter, 
after a quizzical stare at the boys, ''what vessel 
this is, and her business ? " 

" American pleasure yacht Sightly,'' replied Job, 
"from the Pacific." 

" Ah ! " his interlocutor ejaculated, then turning 
towards the Mexican officer he glibly translated the 
answer into Spanish. 

Facing Job again, he asked permission to examine 
the hold. 

" Certainly," Job replied, leading the way. 

In five minutes, their curiosity satisfied, the 
Mexicans again stood upon the deck. 

*• Pardon me, Senor," the Mexican officer said, 
in pretty fair English, much to Job's surprise, as 
he prepared to retire over the side, " we have put 
you to much trouble, but our duty requires it, since 
there is a strange story afloat respecting the carry- 
ing off of some treasure ! " 

" From where ? " answered Job. 

*' From an old deserted chateau, in the province 
of Zacatecas." 

" Come, let's hear the entire story," replied Job, 
*' and since you speak such admirable English, let's 
break a bottle of port together ! ' ' 

' ' Agreed ! " the officer graciously responded : 
"but I must not stop long, my orders respecting 
incoming vessels are very strict." 



140 

Retiring below to the cabin, Job brought out a 
bottle of prime old port ; in fact, the only one he 
possessed. Pouring out a glassful of the liquor, he 
handed it to his guest, who after a few sips, address- 
ing his host, related the following : 

'* Formerly, many years ago, up to the time of 
the empire, so it is said, there used to dwell in 
Zacatecas, Mexico, in a retired and lonely chateau, 
not far from the city of that name, an old Spanish 
countess, somewhat erratic, but immensely wealthy, 
who with her servants led a singularly solitary 
existence, cut off apparently from friends, relatives 
or neighbors. Well, when war broke out, and 
carnage and destruction swept all around her, the 
old lady, ordering her attendants, who were 
devotedly attached to her, to bury all her riches, 
having gathered together sufficient for her own 
needs, and leaving to her servants a considerable 
sum, attempted to leave the country. She, how- 
ever, failed in that which her servants quite readily 
accomplished. Journeying to the coast by a lonely, 
unfrequented road, her party was suddenly set upon 
by highwaymen, and the old lady, thoroughly 
frightened by the confusion which ensued, being 
very corpulent, was all at once seized with an apo- 
plectic fit, and nothing being done to relieve her, 
the rest having fled, expired just as the robbers 
approached. Be that as it may, however, many 
years have passed since these events occurred, and 
although our government, suspecting that the wealth 



141 

lay buried in or about the old chateau, has fre- 
quently endeavored to locate the treasure, it has 
repeatedly failed. 

"Some months ago, the government received 
from an ofl&cial the intelligence that three men had 
visited the old chateau, had discovered a consider- 
able proportion of the buried treasure, and with it 
in their possession had suddenly departed. 

'* Plans were laid to intercept these men, but 
notwithstanding all our precautions, disguised as 
fruit-traders they eluded our watchfulness and 
escaped to the coast. Here, it seems, they had a 
small fruit-vessel moored some distance out from 
land. One day, about the time when we had at 
last struck their trail, having carried their plunder 
out to her, in barrels half-filled with fruit, they 
rowed ashore, little knowing that they were thereby 
to lose their last opportunity to escape. Perhaps, 
owing to the threatening atmosphere and the violent 
storm which came up soon after, they feared to 
venture forth. At any rate, when morning dawned 
they were in the hands of the authorities, with the 
exception of the man whom they had left in the 
boat. The officers, who had been sent to arrest 
this individual, in spite of the fierce, raging storm 
and the dark night, attempted his capture also, but 
with firm, steady stroke, rowing out through the 
breakers in the direction of the vessel, he was soon 
lost to sight. 

' ' When morning dawned the fruit-vessel was 
gone. Whether the man reached her and put to 



142 

sea alone, or whether she had been torn from her 
fastenings and swept away by the tempest, we never 
discovered. But one clue, and that a poor one, was 
developed. A small row-boat, similar to the one in 
which the man was last seen, a few days after that 
was picked up further down the beach, battered 
and almost broken to pieces. And such is the 
story," the officer concluded as, rising to his feet, 
he quaffed the last of the wine. 

" Another glass ? " urged Job. 

" Well," said the officer, "and then I must go. 
And," he continued, taking the proffered glass and 
draining it dry, ** since the government desired 
these particulars suppressed, on no account reveal 
this story. By-the-by," he continued, laying his 
hand pn Job's shoulder, when he had reached the 
side, and his men were impatiently waiting to shove 
off, * * you did not run across a drifting fruit-boat ? 
Oh, how could you ? " he added, not noticing Job's 
perturbation, " you say you are just in from the 
Pacific?" 

"Yes, from a long voyage," replied Job, much 
relieved. 

" Well, a pleasant and safe continuance," the 
officer politely answered, as, stepping down over 
the side, his boat shot off. 

"Good riddance!" thought Job, although he 
discreetly said nothing. 

" Boys," he continued, when their visitors had 



143 

at last fairly disappeared from view, " it is as I 
have surmised ; the riddle is solved ! Up anchor 
andoflf! " 

Lifting in the anchor, and setting sail, they were 
soon again oflf and afloat. Crowding on all the 
canvas, they were soon well out in the Gulf and 
beating out towards the Atlantic. Nor did they 
breathe safely until, six days afterwards, the coast 
of Cuba was sighted. 



CHAPTER XI. 

It was a bright, pleasant, sunshiny day, in the 
month of October, when the Sightly ^ skimming 
over the blue billows of the Atlantic, entered and 
anchored in the harbor of Havana. Upon all sides 
a beautiful panorama met the view. All around 
were large ships, under way, going, or coming. 

" Well," said Job, as the boys, almost entranced, 
stood gazing upon this scene, " Havana is a well- 
situated place, and from here it has a strikingly 
lovely appearance, too, but for all that give me, for 
really true architectural beauty, the city of Buenos 
Ay res, which, although not so well situated, per- 
haps, as a seaport, has been laid out and decorated 
more judiciously and with considerably better art 
and finish. With its fine marble edifices, its vvell- 
adapted public and government buildings, its pala- 
tial stone residences, its tastefully adorned and 



144 

ornamented churches, their towering, lofty spires 
glistening in the light ; it seems, in the distance, 
the very abode of earthly splendor and magni- 
ficence. Then, too, when you consider its wide 
avenues and spacious thoroughfares, together with 
its generally prosperous condition, why it is one of 
the grandest, greatest cities in the western hemi- 
sphere ! ' ' 

** I am sorry now, since we had such a good 
opportunity, that we did not stop there," exclaimed 
Charley. 

"So am I," replied Job, "riding on the broad 
swells of the La Plata, I would have thoroughly 
enjoyed once more to have beheld such a vista of 
almost perfect beauty . ' ' 

"What we have missed this time," remarked 
Dick, " we must make up for again." 

"Job," now interrupted Charley, thoughtfully, 
* ' do you think you would care to stay in port four 
or five days or so ? There is, on the other side of 
the island, at Gorda, a rich planter with whom my 
father was at one time intimately acquainted. If 
you and the rest are willing, I should like to pay 
him a visit ? ' ' 

" I guess for that length of time," replied Job, 
" we can allow you to part company ; what say the 
others?" 

" Certainly," assented Jack and Frank together, 
finding themselves thus appealed to ; as for Dick, 



145 

grasping his friend's hand, as he turned to go 
below, he wished him, in addition, a happy journey 
and a safe return. 

The next day, having complied wath all the 
necessary formalities prescribed by the jealous 
Spanish government, Charley having been rowed 
ashore by Dick and Jack, extended his hand and 
bidding them farewell, set out upon his journey. 
His friends stood watching him till he was lost 
from sight, and then returned to the vessel. 

Let us follow him, as taking the road leading 
from the city, stick in hand, he trudged towards 
his destination. At length, about the middle of the 
third day, having traveled as speedily as possible, 
aided sometimes by a passing wagon or cart, he 
espies, situated amidst rich plantations, the house 
or residence of his friend. 

We will not here dwell upon his introduction 
into the happy family circle, the surprise his visit 
occasioned, nor will we narrate the cordial recep- 
tion which he received, or enter upon the conversa- 
tion which followed. Uninteresting as such general 
topics usually are, we will now turn from them to 
what more especially concerns the individual. 

The next morning, taking an early stroll with the 
son of the Spanish Don, who was thoroughly con- 
versant with the English tongue, the following 
colloquy ensued : 

"So," said Pedro, ''you have been to the 
Pacific?" 



146 

''Yes," replied Charley. 

" Saw a good many sights, eh ? " 

" Yes, I should say so." 

*' Did you meet with anything remarkable, or 
have any thrilling experiences ? ' ' 

"Thrilling? You may well sa}^ so, since we 
fell in with the wild natives once or twice, and were 
compelled to give them something which they will 
not very likely forget." 

'* Is that so? Well now, do you know, I have 
all along believed that no place in the wdde world 
was worse than this ! " 

"Why, how so?" responded Charley. "One 
would naturally suppose you enjoyed the advantages 
of good government here." 

" Well, hardly. The government is altogether 
too suspicious for one thing, and you know what 
that leads to." 

' ' Discord and discontent ? " 

" Yes ; there is at present, and not very far from 
here either, a band of bold outlaws, numbering 
some ten or twelve desperadoes. These keep the 
settlements in constant alarm, every now and then 
sweeping down on some unprotected plantation and 
making off with the owner, whom they hold for a 
ransom. Fortunately, my father has some good 
and tried servants, who would readily resist an 
attack, so that so far they have not ventured to 
try it." 

' ' Why do not the Guards attempt their capture ? 
I should think they could easily disperse them.'* 



147 

*' They have done so several times, but somehow 
they always manage to get together again, and 
lately, having been victorious in one or two skir- 
mishes with the Guards, they openly defy them. 
Hist! " he continued, breaking off; *'did you not 
hear a noise from behind those bushes over there ? ' ' 

** No," said Charley. 

"Well," said his companion, quickening his 
steps, " we have already wandered quite a distance ; 
suppose we return ? ' ' 

** Just as you say," remarked Charle3% carelessly. 

Their walk had led them through several orchards, 
beneath a grove of palm trees, down into a sort of 
natural grotto, formed in part of solid rock and 
surrounded by thick rose bushes, with here and 
there a banana or an orange tree, around whose 
roots lofty ferns waved and nodded in the breeze. 

Ascending the green sward which led down into 
this spot, Pedro all at once stopped, and drawing 
him aside, whispered in an agitated voice, 
*' I saw something move just then, in among the 
ferns ! What will we do ? I fear we are pursued 
by the brigands ! Yes, see ! there's one," he con- 
tinued, laying his hand on Charley's arm. 

" I'll tell you what to do," said Charley, as look- 
ing back he beheld, notwithstanding some effort at 
concealment, the figure of a man behind a mossy 
hedge not fifty yards distant; ** you, of course, 
know the country much better than I do. Do you 



148 

now take some other road, which will lead them 
off from this, and then speed for the house ; while 
I make the best time possible along this." 

No sooner said than done, and Pedro, wishing 
his adviser farewell, shot away in another direction. 
Immediately a loud shout or halloo sounded in their 
ear. Charley, looking over his shoulder as he ran, 
observed a number of rough-looking men coming 
towards him. He thereupon redoubled his speed, 
and like a race-horse endeavored to elude them. 
Every moment increasing the distance, he gradually 
became more and more sanguine of reaching the 
mansion, when, unfortunately, looking over his 
shoulder just at that moment, he caught his foot in 
some tangled vines, tripped and fell, spraining his 
ankle. Ere he could disengage himself and rise 
from the ground, his pursuers, with an exulting 
shout, pounced upon him. 

Well, I suppose I will have to submit!" he 
soliloquized. 

Binding their prisoner's arms, his captors now, 
at a rapid pace, retraced their steps. On, on they 
went, till Charley almost sank from pain and ex- 
haustion. For some time they had traveled along 
in this manner through a rich country, the like of 
which Charley had never before seen. Soon, at 
last, however, from his captors' gestures, he com- 
prehended that they were nearing the rendezvous. 

Leaving the road which leads to Cienfuego, 
after a long and wearisome march over rather 



149 

broken ground, Charley finally caught glimpses of 
water — glimpses of the blue ocean — stretching out 
before him. Oh, how he yearned to be once more 
safely aboard the yacht ! What, too, would Job 
and his companions say ? Would they ever hear 
of him again, a lonely prisoner held by a band of 
abandoned desperadoes? Liberty, how little, he 
once thought, he would prize it so dearly ! 

With such reflections as these, Charley resolutely 
prepared to face the worst. Having now, in the 
course of their journey, arrived at a steep and pre- 
cipitous incline, his captors proceeded more leisurely 
until, reaching a point where the rocky flint seemed 
to bar their further progress, they suddenly, without 
pausing, pushed aside the ferns and bushes at its base 
and entered a long, gloomy cavern. Charley's sur- 
prise at this maybe better imagined than described, 
when he found himself in an open space, say thirty 
feet by ten, surrounded by six of the roughest, 
most villainous looking men he had ever laid eyes 
on. Pushing him into one of its darkest, gloomiest 
corners, they now prepared for their noonday or 
evening repast. Hanging a pot containing some 
meat, gypsy fashion, over some dry leaves and 
twigs, they lit a fire and proceeded to boil it, to- 
gether with some vegetables, which one of their 
number had just brought in. Hardly had this been 
done, ere four others of the party entered, whom 
Charley, from their sullen, dissatisfied appearance, 
rightly judged were those from whom his friend, 
more fortunate than himself, had escaped. 



150 

After sharing their meal in silence, one of the 
band drew from his sash a dirty pack of cards, and 
with these they proceeded to amuse themselves, 
drinking at times from a leather jug, and carousing 
until near midnight. The one, however, who had 
been set to watch him, although he had ravenously 
devoured the morsel which fell to his lot, took no 
part in these after proceedings, yet it was quite 
evident that but for his captive he would otherwise 
have done so. Untying Charley's limbs, and placing 
before him some of the same rough fare which he 
himself had just eaten, he urged him by panto- 
mimic gestures to partake thereof. 

Charley, who under ordinary circumstances, 
would probably have rejected such a dish, yet now, 
feeling both tired and hungry, saw fit to comply, 
and shortly afterwards, becoming very drowsy, fell 
fast asleep, dreaming he was once more at sea, and 
pitching about in a terrific hurricane. 

How long he slept, he knew not, but when he 
awoke, somewhat refreshed, it was early dawn, the 
bright, yellow sunshine streaming through the 
green foliage at the entrance. Mingled with the 
feeling of relief that his dream, after all, was but a 
fiction, he experienced a deep sense of disappoint- 
ment when he comprehended once again his true 
position. 

What a change, too, had been produced in his 
outward appearance ! He went to sleep in the 
habiliments of English or American costume ; he 



151 

now woke up a thorough Spaniard — wide pantaloons, 
cloak, sombrero and all. This, then, was what had 
subjected him to nightmare. 

The most of the band, Charley now became 
aware, had already departed, some few only being 
about ; and yet, from the restlessness of these, 
Charley plainly perceived that, for some reason or 
other, they were ill at ease. 

About noon the rest returned and the observances 
of the preceding day were again gone through with ; 
with less noise, however, and more alert watchful- 
ness than before. Thus, for three days, this daily 
programme was enacted, while Charley, every day 
growing more and more heartsick of the monotony, 
seriously contemplated making an escape. 

" But, how could it be done, with one or two 
armed sentinels continually lurking about ? No ! ' ' 
he at length felt compelled to admit, having studied 
the matter carefully, as well as his chances of ulti- 
mate success therein, "it is an impossibility and I 
must not attempt it." 

One thing which he had already noticed gave him 
considerable satisfaction and that was that the ban- 
dits, day by day, were becoming more and more 
anxious. 

Upon the fourth day, late in the afternoon, he 
repeatedly heard, as he thought, shots fired at no 
great distance away. Perhaps a rescue ! he argued 
to himself. Hardly had he thus commenced to 
reason ere several of the band, one or two wearing 



152 

bandages over apparently fresh wounds, entered, 
and after a hurried, animated conversation, prepared 
for a sudden departure. One who appeared to be 
the leader, entering soon after, pointed to Charley 
and in a low voice gave some few directions in 
Spanish, which the rest immediately proceeded to 
put into execution. Binding his arms, as before, 
they then waited until darkness had fairly set in, 
whereupon, placing a bandage over his eyes, they 
then set out from the cave. Traveling by many and 
devious paths Charley at length discerned from the 
faint, briny odor, that they were advancing towards 
the sea. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Let us now, in this chapter, return to the yacht 
and those aboard of her. For awhile the boys 
amused themselves by rambles through the city and 
along shore, but at length, growing tired of this, 
impatiently awaited with Job their companion's 
return . 

Four, five days pass, and still no signs of Charley. 
Anxiously they now scan all points of the shore, yet 
still he comes not. Upon the sixth day a little boat 
puts off from the shore, and running in close under 
the bow a fine looking Spaniard, hailing Job po- 
litely, inquires : ** Is this the Sightly, friend ?" 

* * Yes ! what's wanted ?' ' responded Job. 



^53 

** I have here a message for you," he replied, at 
the same time taking the missive from his embroi- 
dered sash and handing it up to Job. 

* * Thank )^ou, ' ' replied Job, taking it and touching 
his hat, as the stranger was rapidly rowed away 
from the vessel. Breaking the seal, he opened the 
note and forthwith spread it out before him. 

"Boys!" he ejaculated the next moment, the 
color for an instant leaving his face, " here's news, 
indeed ! What do you think has happened to 
Charley?" 

"What, nothing serious ?" they interrogated, in 
one breath, as they gathered around him. 

"Well, lam sorry to say it is, and something 

very serious, too !" answered Job. " Charley, it 

seems, has in some way or other been captured by 

the Brigands of Cienfuego and they now hold him, 

expecting a ransom ! Wait, I will read the letter, ' ' 

he continued. 

" • Yacht Sightly. Gorda, Oct. 8th, i8— . 

Job Norton, Master : 

You will perhaps be as grieved to learn this 
as I am to relate it, but your young friend, Charley Dalton, 
while out taking a stroll yesterday morning with my son, 
was captured t)y the Brigands of Cienfuego, and is now held 
awaiting a ransom. These men are a bold, resolute set of 
hardened villains, who have long eluded the vigilance of our 
officers. Notwithstanding this, however, I have communi- 
cated with the authorities, and they have since informed me 
that they will do what they can. 

(Signed) Yours truly, 

Santo Sebanado.' " 
*' *P. S. — Since the Brigands are said to possess a small 
sail boat, through which beforetimes they have frequently 
made good their escape, it might perhaps be advisable for 
the Sightly to co-operate.' " 



154 

** What say you, boys," concluded Job, "shall 
we attempt a rescue ?" 

** Yes, by all means," the boys responded, with 
one accord. 

" Well, then, so be it, and if we should cross that 
boat of their 's we will either take her or send her to 
the bottom." 

"Charley and all ?" put in Dick. 

"No! How stupid you talk ! " retorted Job. 

" Ho ! hoist anchor immediately," he continued, 
" shake out the sails." 

The boys quickly obeyed, and hastening away to 
execute these orders the Sightly was soon, in a short 
space of time, cleaving her way through the blue 
waters of the Atlantic. 

Not to be taken suddenly unawares the boys, 
having first loaded both cannon brought from 
below, their rifles and other firearms, and charging 
them also, placed them where in case of emergency 
they could readily be found. 

Towards the close of the second day the Sightly, 
rounding the western end of the island of Cuba, 
the boys sighted and immediately headed for Xagma 
Bay, near whose shores they confidentl}^ expected 
to gain some tidings of their unfortunate friend, or 
at least to discover some sign of the brigands. 

Running more closely in along the land, with 
barely sufficient light to distinguish objects there- 
upon, Job, who stood, spy-glass in hand, at the 
bow, keenly viewing the shore, with its numerous 



155 

indentations, discerned near the mouth of a small 
creek what at first he took to be a white canvas 
tent, but which upon a more careful scrutiny he 
perceived was none other than a sail-boat, answer- 
ing somewhat the description of the one which the 
brigands were said to possess. It was closely 
hauled up to shore, and in part screened by some 
trees and bushes which, in spite of a rather rough 
soil, flourished at that point luxuriantly. Darkness 
descending upon them, however, put an end to 
further observations. What was to be done ? 

Job, calling the boys forward, communicated to 
them the nature of the discovery he had just made, 
with his suspicions respecting the same, and asked 
for advice, which was readily given. 

All were in favor of continuing their course on 
towards shore, and thus, if possible, preventing 
any attempt at escape. This being unanimously 
resolved upon, was accordingly carried into effect. 

Not caring at this crisis to reveal their designs at 
all, or to arouse any suspicions, they concluded not to 
hang out their lights, but to steer slowly in without. 
Finally, coming across a twin indentation in the 
shore, partly hid from view by some palm-trees, 
through open spaces in which, however, they could 
clearly make out the white sails and a portion of 
the hull of the other craft as it floated in the little 
creek, directly across from the narrow neck of land 
on the one side, and under which the Sightly lay, 
Job and the boys, with feverish anxiety, marked 
her position, and waited. 



150 

How long they must have thus waited, with ears 
and eyesight strained, they never knew. At length, 
about midnight, Job imagined he heard the sound 
of muffled oars right near them. The bo\^s thought 
so, too ; but not seeing anything, and the sound 
dying out, they concluded that they must have been 
mistaken. 

Not long after this, however, a shrill call or 
whistle sounded from some point along the shore. 
Immediately afterwards they were astonished to 
hear the crack-crack of rifles. 

'* They must surely be pursued," ventured Dick, 
as he leaned over the side. 

**Yes," Job whispered cautiously, as, glass in 
hand, he waited for something further to develop. 

*' Any signs of them yet ? " Jack queried. 

" No ; all is as still as can be. Not a soul 
apparently aboard of her yet. Ah ! but hist ! " 

''What's that now?" he continued, laying his 
heavy hand on Jack's shoulder. **Boys, they're 
there ; I can see them now as they climb aboard ! 
Take in the bow anchor ! Let us once get under 
way and we may cut ofl" their retreat, " he whis- 
pered hoarsely. 

The boys did so, and while the vessel was round- 
ing the long, jutting point, prepared for the 
engagement which each felt must surely follow. 
There was no cowardice, however ; they had each 
resolved to do or die in the attempt to rescue their 
comrade. 



157 

One thing, however, to them a source of hearty 
congratulations, and which they contemplated with 
much satisfaction, was the fact that they were very 
likely now, whatever their efforts and whatever the 
result, to have the active co-operation of the 
authorities. 

They could clearly make out, from the noise on 
shore, as well as from an occasional rifle-shot, that 
some sort of a skirmish was progressing. At first 
the reports sounded rather distant, as if from a 
point away and back from the shore, gradually 
approaching nearer and nearer. Soon they could 
hear the snapping of branches, until, just as they 
rounded the narrow point, by the bright, silvery 
light of the moon, which had previously been 
hidden from view by dark clouds, but which now 
cast a bright gleam over the rippling waves, they 
could plainly observe a sail boat putting out from 
shore containing several men, who had evidently, 
from the haste with which they had previously 
shoved off, "not stood," as Shakespeare says, 
"much upon the order of their going." Several 
rifle reports, ringing out about one and the same 
time from behind the dark fringed bank which they 
had so lately left, with all sails set the Sightly gave 
chase. 

Let us now for a brief interval return to Charley 
Dalton, whom the reader will recollect had been 
forced, by the watchfulness of his captors, to give 
up his schemes of escape. When we last parted 



158 

from him he was being led blindfolded down a 
rather steep incline, growing, as he advanced, less 
and less perceptible as he approached what his alert 
senses told him was the sea. But for an occasional 
sharp, quick ejaculation of caution or advice which 
every now and then fell from the lips of the leader, 
they in general pursued their way in uninterrupted 
silence. Suddenly, however, a halt was ordered 
and a consultation held, after which the band 
seemed to break up into sections, the one which 
Charley was in pushing on cautiously but resolutely 
for the shore. They had thus in this manner pro- 
gressed for perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, when, 
all at once, a call or whistle sounded at no great 
distance away; the same signal, here be it said, 
which those aboard of the Sightly also heard and 
profited by. This was almost immediately followed 
by the sharp report of a rifle, at the sound of which 
Charley's captors quickened their steps, correctly 
surmising that they were now being closely pursued. 
Soon after this, being dragged hastily along, 
Charley stumbled clumsily over a bush or vine of 
some kind, and his captors at that same instant 
releasing their hold upon him, he lost his balance 
and fell flat upon the ground. Being almost smoth- 
ered by the luxuriant vegetation he nevertheless at 
the same time heard, like the sound of running 
footsteps, followed by one or two rifle reports, near 
at hand ; nay, almost over the very spot where he 
had fallen. Momentarily, at first, he felt like shout- 
ing out and so making his presence known. The 



159 

next moment the recollection of his strange plight 
dawned upon him and he wisely concluded to re- 
main silent. Then, for the first time, he fully 
realized his danger. In his present garb, resem- 
bling in all points one of the Brigands, what was 
there to prevent the officers or guards from taking 
him for one, and, in the dark, amidst the excite- 
ment of the skirmish, riddling him with bullets 
without affording him any opportunity to explain 
his situation. Instead, therefore, of hailing his 
deliverers with delight and rejoicing at their near 
presence, he dreaded their approach. After a while, 
however, except for an occasional shot, all became 
silent. Working away at the rope which pinioned 
his arms, and which had become slightl}'- loosened 
by his fall, he eventually freed himself, and rising 
from the ground in a spirit of thankfulness at hav- 
ing so readily regained his liberty, he threw off his 
sombrero and cloak, and being guided by the shots, 
rapidly yet cautiously made his way to the shore. 
Lying behind a dumb of bushes he peered out over 
the little bay. The moon emerging from behind 
some dark clouds at the same moment enabled him 
the better to comprehend the nature of the scene 
which was now being enacted before him. There, 
in a little sail boat right out before him and but a 
little piece from shore, were some eight or ten men 
in whom he readily recognized those from whom he 
had so lately and so agreeably parted company. 

Along the shore at intervals he could dimly per- 
ceive figures darting about hither and thither, while 



i6o 

from behind some dark bush or hedge would occa- 
sionally come the flash and report of some firearm 
or other , to be answered frequently by another from 
the boat. He observed, also, that the dark figures 
on shore, the guards, as he clearly discerned them 
to be, were making frantic efforts to launch a small 
row-boat and give chase. While thus intently con- 
templating the scene before him he all at once 
beheld a fair sized vessel, a yacht, glide out from 
beyond the outermost point of the opposite shore of 
the little bay and head for the shore, evidently pur- 
posing to cut off the further flight of the Brigands. 
To his surprise, although the moon had again be- 
come part hidden by the clouds, he recognized this 
vessel to be none other than the Sightly. 

An exclamation of delight burst from his lips. 
So, thought Charley, my friends are nearer than I 
had supposed them ! Perceiving that the sail boat 
was now tacking inshore to avoid as much as pos- 
sible the other vessel which was nevertheless stead- 
ily diminishing her distance, and that their present 
course, if continued, would bring both vessels pretty 
close to a point of land which projected out into the 
sea not very far from where he stood. Charley 
thereupon hurried along the shore until he reached 
the farthest point of this narrow strip, whence from 
behind a little rock he watched the two vessels ap- 
proach . 

*'Ha! they will hardly escape this time," 
Charley muttered to himself as both vessels, the 



i6i 

smaller leading the way, now neared the point. 
"Still, it is likely," he furthermore soliloquized, 
* ' that if the sailboat doubles this point the Brigands 
may yet escape." 

*' Here goes," he continued aloud, throwing off 
his clothes and diving into the sea just as the loud 
report of the Sightly' s cannon fell upon his ear. 
Being a good swimmer and having carefully calcu- 
lated both time and distance he was soon under the 
stern of the Sightly, which, following the move- 
ments of the other vessel, had now commenced to 
tack out to sea. Clinging to the chains for awhile 
he presently heard footsteps above him. 

** Hello, there ! Dick, Job, anybody. Throw a 
rope over." 

Job, for such it was, astonished beyond measure 
at hearing his familiar voice so unexpectedly, imme- 
diately responded, " Aye ! aye ! sir!" and suiting 
the action to the word, not only threw a rope over, 
but quickly hauled him aboard as well. It was a 
totally unlooked for but yet a very happy reunion, 
and Charley received a hearty, enthusiastic welcome 
from each. However, it was then, as Charley well 
understood, no time to waste words, as they were 
now almost up with the other vessel, so receiving 
from Job a small sabre he prepared for action. 

The yacht, as before described, having rounded 
the point by reason of which she had previously 
been concealed, had steadily continued on her 
course, being guided meanwhile chiefly by the 



l62 

movements of the Brigands, who, as we have al- 
ready related, were then just setting out from shore. 
Those on board of the yacht, having become wit- 
nesses of the proceedings on shore and having had 
whatever doubts which might previously have ex- 
isted as to the identity of the sail boat and her crew 
conclusively settled, immediately stood in to cut off 
her retreat in the manner which, as above related, 
Charley had observed from shore. Now, however, 
they were but thirty yards distant at the most. 

The crew of the Sightly had already opened fire 
upon the little boat in front of them. One of the 
guns, the larger cannon, having been since loaded, 
Charley pointed it and with Job's permission fired. 

Boom ! the other gun roared soon after, both 
awakening echoes from the land. The first shot, 
though well aimed, owing to a sudden lurch of the 
vessel, did but little damage, merely taking off a 
small portion of the bowsprit. The other shot, 
however, was much better, shattering the mast. 
Quickly swabbing out the gun, being now almost 
upon them, Charley, with a hasty gleam of satisfac- 
tion, again pointed and discharged it. This com- 
pleted what Jack's well directed shot had only 
partially accomplished, breaking the mast short ofi" 
and carrying it, canvas and all, over the side. 

The sail boat was now at their mercy, but with- 
out awaiting any further developments the most of 
the Brigands firing one last volley, which fortu- 
nately flew harmlessly by, leaped into the sea. One 



i6: 



or two, however, were so badly wounded that escape 
was impossible. Having first made these prisoners 
and then helped to carry them aboard the yacht, 
Dick and Frank now looked to their prize. Having 
taken off the canvas and the ropes the mast was cut 
away and thrown over the side, whereupon, tying 
her so that she would drift astern, the boys then 
boarded the Sightly, whose bow once more headed 
out to sea. Job meanwhile, on account of his pris- 
oners, having resolved nevertheless to make a brief 
stop at Havana. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Having in the course of two or three days reached 
port they lay to long enough to deliver over their 
prisoners into the custody of the proper authorities, 
and then, having telegraphed Don Santo of the 
happy, fortuitous termination of their voyage, they 
thereupon prepared to resume their homeward way. 
The next day, having taken in some stores, they 
were just about to hoist up the anchor, when a small 
row-boat pulling alongside, a rather aristocratic 
looking Spaniard hailing Job in pretty fair English 
inquired if he was the captain. 

•* Yes," said Job, " what's wanted?" 
"Why, I see you have astern there a boat of 
which I was at one time the happy possessor, but 
which a gang of rogues and robbers made off with. 
If you will now return it I will reward you hand- 
somely." 



164 

* ' Well, " replied Job, somewhat perplexed by this 
request, " if she is yours, take her, but I would ad- 
vise you to be more careful of your property in 
future." 

' * Thank you," responded the delighted Spaniard. 
" Here, too, is her price," he continued, tossing to 
Job a purse containing gold coin. 

Job caught it, and satisfied with the Spaniard's 
sincerity, immediately threw it back. 

" Here, keep it, and the boat, too, for that mat- 
ter," he replied. 

" No, it is yours, and well you deserve it," ex- 
claimed the Spaniard, composedly, as he shoved off 
with the disabled boat in tow, and suiting the action 
to the word threw the purse back upon the deck. 

"We will consider this, then, in the light of sal- 
vage," cried Job, picking it up. 

"Anything you like," retorted the Spaniard, 
who was now at some little distance and whose men 
were rowing quite lustily. 

" Hold on a bit," called Job, '' I would like to 
ask you one or two questions." 

"Well, what is it?" 

" Did the Guards capture those of the Brigands 
who swam ashore ?" 

" Yes, all but one or two. You did well to break 
up the band. AH alike praise your daring courage. ' ' 

Waving a final adieu to the Spaniard, now well 
on his way towards the shore, the sails were hauled 
around to the wind, and the Sightly skimming over 



i65 

the blue waters of the harbor was soon once again 
on the broad Atlantic. Taking advantage of the 
gulf stream, two or three weeks passing without 
further incident or adventure, finds the Sightly 
heading for the New England coast. Soon Cape 
Cod is sighted and not long after many a familiar 
object meets the view. ' 

It is a fine morning in the early part of Novem- 
ber, and by the side of the little slip, from which 
they had so gleefully set out several months before, 
the yacht Sightly once more rides at anchor. Her 
cruise has terminated and there is not now a single 
soul aboard of her, even old Job having departed to 
visit his friends and relatives. 

As for the boys^ they have with much gladness 
and joy been welcomed back by their friends and 
kindred, some of whom of the latter especially hav- 
ing worried considerably on their account. How- 
ever, " all is well that ends well," and in the eyes 
of the villagers they have acquitted themselves so 
well that they are quite looked upon as heroes. One 
thing, notwithstanding, the glory of their late 
achievement seems tolerably certain. It is not 
likely that they will soon again undertake another 
such a cruise. 

" It was too long by half," was Jack's reply to 
his father's query as to how he had enjoyed the trip, 
and this expression quite fully exemplified not only 
his own opinion but the general verdict as well. 

* * It seems to me," Charley remarked one evening 



1 66 

not long after the termination of the voyage, when, 
in response to a pressing invitation, the boys had 
met together in the elegant, handsomely decorated 
parlor of the former's residence, **that our late 
cruise might well teach us a lesson. That, in fact, 
our discovery in an old fruit boat, driven by chance 
off shore, of what I have since been told, will 
amount in value to thousands of dollars, conclu- 
sively proves that mankind, as a rule, too often goes 
to sea for that which can with much less difficulty 
be unearthed upon its shore. Here, for instance, 
leaving the land and not expecting anything there- 
from, we sailed away upon the ocean to search its 
depths for treasure, to brave difficulties and dangers 
for that which when not far out we had already un- 
knowingly placed aboard, and which had, itself, 
came out to meet us, having but shortly before laid 
buried in the earth. Truly, it would seem," he 
continued, '* that the spade is oft times more potent 
than grappling irons. One thing is quite certainly 
true of the former, if it does not always develop 
treasure it does at least develop habits of industry 
and thrift. What say you ?" 

*' That we think as you do," exclaimed the boys 
almost together, ' ' and that for the future Home 
and its attractions will contain for us treasure suffi- 
cient." 



